Families flee Lamu as attacks persist

Hundreds of Witu residents Friday continued to flee their homes two days after the attack on Pandanguo village.

Last Thursday night, at least 50 gunmen raided the village, torching houses and two classrooms of Pandanguo primary school. They also stole six guns from Kenya Police Reservists.

Despite security assurances from police, residents of nearby Maleli, Bora Moyo, Kakathe and Miasha Masha fled their homes. Residents believe the attackers will strike again despite the presence of security officers.

According to Witu Chief Abdi Kosonde, residents flocked to booking offices of bus firms.Passengers booking tickets.

“I have seen many people with their property this morning (Saturday). They were moving from Witu to areas like Marereni, Gongoni, Malindi and Mombasa. There is a lot of tension,” he said.

Mr Charo Gona, who works for the Tahmeed Bus Company in Lamu County, said the number of passengers booking tickets last week was more than four times the usual.

“We have two buses each carrying 45 passengers. On most days, we use one bus only because there are few passengers. But since the beginning of this week, we have an increased number of people travelling to Malindi and Mombasa. Right now, the two buses are fully booked,” he said.

Meanwhile, more than 3,000 residents are still camping at Hindi Prison since the July 5 attack that left 13 people dead and one injured.

According to the officer in charge, Mr Peter Kithee, work atthe prison have been complicated by the presence of many mothers and children.

“I now take care of prisoners and also look after the displaced families. It is not a joke. I ask the  government to intervene,” he said.

Sources said that at least 500 families left Lamu town this week alone after hate leaflets were distributed onthe morning of July 8. Many shops remain closed.

The first attack in Lamu occurred on June 15, after heavily armed people raided Mpeketoni town. Over 50 people were killed.

Fresh attacks occurred on June 16. Although al-Shabaab claimed responsibility for the attack, the government blamed it on local politics in Lamu.

So far, 69 suspects police have linked to the killings at Hindi andGamba police station in Tana River County have been arrested.

Source: Sunday Nation