Hundreds of families from Witu are camping at the local African Inland Church (AIC) and the district officer’s office after fleeing their homes following Monday’s massacre at Kathaka Kairu village, Pandanguo sub-location.Half of the internally displaced people are camping at the church, according to Kenya Red Cross Coordinator for Magarini and Kilifi Hassan Musa who also covers Mpeketoni District in Lamu.
“There are about 200 families at AIC and at the Witu DO’s office,” said Hassan Musa, the region’s Red Cross coordinator.
He added: “We are registering people at the two camps but also waiting for the Government to officially establish the camps.”
Mpeketoni District Commissioner Ben Maisori noted that a school has been shut down in Pandanguo after teachers fled the area following Monday’s violence.
Mr Maisori claimed rival tribes in Lamu and neighbouring areas are taking advantage of the unrest in Lamu county to settle scores.
The IDPs said despite being in camps, they fear for their lives as their security at the camps is not guaranteed.
Meanwhile, leaders in Mpeketoni want the Government to hasten recruitment of more Kenya Police Reservists (KPR) in the area.
ADEQUATE SECURITY
Lamu Deputy Governor Eric Mugo, MP Julius Ndegwa and Member of County Assembly (MCA) James Njomo said KPR officers are always the first line of defence at the grassroots in the event of any public disorder.
“Mpeketoni has seen its fair share of ugly incidents with many lives lost and property destroyed. We want assurance from the Government for adequate security as it is our right to be protected by the State,” said Mr Mugo.
The trio spoke at a ceremony held at the Mpeketoni sub-district hospital to receive donations towards a relief kitty in aid of victims of the recent massacre.
Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) Chairman Danson Mungatana led senior KPA managers in donating an assortment of medical supplies and cash totalling Sh1 million towards the kitty.
