A statement by Lamu inter-religious leaders on the state of security in the county

MAHRUS HOTEL, 18.01.2022

We the religious leaders from Lamu County have congregated here today to address the events that have been experienced in the county in the past one month. We express our condolences and deepest sympathies to the victims and families of the recent violent and reckless attacks. We wish to express our solidarity too with the families and communities that were forced to leave their homesteads and take refuge as IDPs in schools and community centers. The violence, terror and displacement must be addressed and ended as a matter of urgency and so we make our desperate pleas to the following groups:

To the Security agencies;

We call upon the security agencies to conduct thorough investigations into the genesis of the current wave of attacks experienced in parts of Lamu, and bring to book the perpetrators. In doing so, the agencies should be cautious to avoid victimizing the innocent residents of the county, and beef up security during this period. Action should be taken against those fanning hate speech on social media and in public gatherings. We ask that the security apparatus in the county work closely with members of the public to restore and maintain peace and security before, during and after the elections. The CS Interior and Regional Commissioner should listen to religious leaders and not just politicians. We are the people on the ground, and are well informed as to the truth of what is happening.

To the Ministry of Lands and the National Land Commission;

Present and historical land injustices are well documented in Lamu and indeed the entire Coast region. The Ministry of Lands and the NLC should move with speed to address historical and present land injustices, and to issue title documents to deserving land owners to end perennial land instigated conflicts.

To the Youth and General Public;

To the youth and general public, we ask for calm and tolerance as the security agencies conduct their investigations and bring to book the perpetrators of the recent attacks in Lamu. We encourage the public to work closely with security agencies, and to volunteer information that may lead to the apprehension of the attackers and their patrons.

We remind them of their civic responsibility to elect leaders of integrity, and to prepare to do so by getting registered as voters in the ongoing Enhanced Voter Registration exercise. We encourage those unregistered to get registered.

To the Politicians and Political Aspirants

We ask those seeking political positions to exercise restraint in their campaigns, and to desist from making inflammatory and divisive statements. We ask them to tone down on divisive propaganda, and to stop spreading fear. We ask those who may feel aggrieved in any way or form before, during and after the elections to seek justice in the courts of law and not resort to extra-judicial tactics.

To fellow religious leaders;

We ask our colleagues in the religious sector to provide leadership, and practice neutrality in the face of polarizing politics. On our part we will work together as a body of diverse religions to address injustices, speak the truth to power and build harmony in the communities.

May God Bless the People of Lamu, May God Bless Us All.

Signed:

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