Former Lamu West Constituency Member of Parliament Julius Ndegwa on Thursday, January 19, pleaded with President William Ruto to intervene following the high level of insecurity in Lamu.
Ndegwa explained that Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki’s directive on abolishing roadblocks in the county had resulted in the resurgent insecurity menace.
He stated that firearms were being transported to the county illegally since the bandits could freely move without the regular check-ups - which had been put in check by the roadblocks.
“We urge the National Government (headed by William Ruto) to make an evaluation of the decision. Removal of roadblocks creates an opportunity for evil beings to sneak weapons into our county without check. The roadblocks and regular security checks significantly sealed the probability of having weapons ferried to our county by road.
The enemy is still within, we should instead enhance the regular checks to ensure visitors coming in and out of county are subjected to thorough checks and their security guaranteed,” he noted.
Ndegwa further explained that change of operations was made without consultation of the Lamu residents who expressed their reservations.
“Public participation is also key, while our leaders represent our interests, there are times we tend not to agree with the boardroom decisions made without directly involving citizens.
While roadblocks may have been used by some rogue officers as pilferage, they generally served us in terms of reducing illegal firearms. We need them back,” he pleaded.
He, however, noted that roadblocks removals had served to the advantage of traders transporting goods easily but the security situation was not considered.
“The reason for the removal of the roadblocks is to allow free and easy movement of goods and services to boost trade. The reason is quite ridiculous, what is more important? Lives of innocent people or flourishing trade?” He wondered
His remarks came after Al-Shabaab militants carried out two attacks in a month leading to the deaths of civilians and injured officers.
Kindiki had ordered the removal of roadblocks on the Garsen-Witu-Mokowe road in Lamu County during his January 4 visit and promised to replace them with CCTV cameras.
He stated that there would be a free flow of people, vehicles and goods.
The CS also appealed to residents to cooperate with the security agencies by offering information that will aid in dealing with criminals.
“If you hide a terrorist, the government shall treat you as a terrorist and deal with you ruthlessly,” noted the CS.
At the time, Kindiki criticised former President Uhuru Kenyatta's decision to withdraw police reservists noting that it led to the recent upsurge of banditry attacks.
