Gatundu South Member of Parliament, Moses Kuria, now argues that the ongoing series of attacks being witnessed in Lamu County has nothing to do with the militia.
Through his social media page on Monday, January 10, Kuria alleged that the attacks are resulting from the perennial land issues in the area.
In his message to the government aimed at averting more attacks, Kuria advised Lands Cabinet Secretary, Farida Karoney, to take charge of the operation in the area to ensure that the available land is properly and justly subdivided among residents to drive away speculators.
The vocal lawmaker hit out at President Uhuru Kenyatta led administration for deploying Interior Cabinet Secretary, Fred Matiang'i, who has since declared a dusk to dawn curfew in some of the affected areas.
"What is happening in Lamu is not terrorism. It is speculation for land. LAPSSET needs to be a blessing to the people of Lamu, not a death certificate," stated Kuria.
"The Cabinet Secretary required there is not Fred Matiang'i but Farida Karoney accompanied by the National Lands Commission and Survey of Kenya. Subdivide all land along the LAPSSET corridor to drive away land speculators and avoid more senseless killings in Lamu."
The number of people killed in Lamu attacks now stands at 13. The first attack left seven people dead prompting Mataing'i to swing into action.
“Incidences of criminal attacks that have led to the loss of seven (7) innocent lives have been reported in Widho Sub-location, Majembeni Location of Lamu County,” Matiang'i's statement released on January 5 read in part.
The areas affected by the curfew include Mukunumbi, Majembeni, Ndamwe, Mkunumbi location, Witu division, Pandanguo location, Binde Warinde location, Witu location, Hamasi location, Mpeketoni division, Bomani location, Pongwe location, Mpeketoni location, Bahari location, Mapenya location, and Lamu Central Sub County.
The CS also ordered immediate deployment of a multi-agency security team to mop-up illegal firearms and activities in the affected areas.
“Residents in the Disturbed Areas are requested to cooperate with the Security agencies and to share information on suspicious persons and activities,” Matiang'i added.
In the latest attacks, police officers and two civilians were killed with the law enforcement officers increasing surveillance in the area and making several arrests in connection with the attacks.
