Due to increased security in the region, Coast Regional Commissioner John Elungata has allowed private carriers permission to ply the Lamu-Witu-Garsen road at night.
However, the decision only applies to non-PSV vehicles. The decision comes after the national government lifted the nationwide curfew a month ago.
Elungata stated during a public baraza held in Witu on Thursday that the government is diligent in combating all sorts of dangers, particularly those posed by militants.
Elungata said the night travel prohibition on PSV vehicles will stay in force for the time being.
“Work is now ongoing to construct two new security routes that will improve our security agents’ response time to any insecurity situations that may be reported.”
He also urged chiefs to remain cautious and report any suspicious activity they observe in the area.
“We’ve also noticed a large influx of people from other regions,” he continued, “which is raising concern owing to the high rate of land invasions that is currently taking place in Lamu.”
Elungata also issued a warning to unscrupulous persons who interfere with national and county government efforts to address land management in Lamu County.
Lamu West MP Stanley Muthama reiterated his comments, stating that there is cause for alarm, particularly with land invasion occurrences hitting areas such as Witu-Nyongoro, where land invaders have entered people’s ranches and lay claim to land that is not theirs.
