Nairobi: Human rights groups and community leaders from Lamu have called on the national government to lift long-standing roadblocks and curfew restrictions, between 6:00 pm and 7:00 am, in Lamu County, saying the measures have crippled the local economy and violated residents’ constitutional rights.
According to Kenya News Agency, the curfew-style restrictions have severely hampered business operations, particularly affecting fishermen and small-scale traders who rely on early morning or late evening transport to sustain their livelihoods. Addressing the press at the Muslims for Human Rights (MUHURI) Office, MUHURI Board Member, Khelef Khalifa Bajun, stated that the restrictions contravened Article 39 of the Constitution of Kenya (2010), which guarantees every person the right to freedom of movement, Article 27, which guarantees equality and freedom from discrimination, and Article 47, which provides for fair administrative action. He says the situation has created an environment of harassment and intimidation from security personnel manning the roadblocks.
Salma Hemed, Founder of She Rises, emphasized that the restrictions have worsened poverty levels in Lamu, where most residents depend on fishing and small-scale businesses. ‘The government should find alternative security measures that do not hinder movement or trade,’ she said. Bajuni Community Leader, Sultan Omar Sharif, urged Transport and Infrastructure Cabinet Secretary (CS), Kipchumba Murkomen, to address the issue urgently, highlighting that it has been 20 years since the road was blocked and stressing the need for economic growth in Lamu.
Meanwhile, Lamu Shungwaya Welfare Association Chairperson, Mohammed Mbana, pointed out that the restrictions have led to sharp increases in fish prices, due to limited transport. ‘A kilogram of fish now goes for Sh900 because vehicles no longer access Kiunga. This has pushed many youths into drug abuse and crime, due to lack of opportunities to positively engage in,’ he stated.
Vocal Africa Human Rights Activist, Wallid Sketty, questioned the persistence of the curfew in Lamu over the years, while those in other bandit-prone regions are lifted after a short period. ‘This is economic sabotage. The youth in Lamu need jobs, not curfews,’ he said. Haki Africa’s Mathias Shipeta urged the government to enhance security without undermining the economy, asserting that security measures should protect lives while respecting the right to free movement as guaranteed by Article 39 of the Constitution.