Human rights activists have strongly condemned the recent stabbing of a Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) officer on Lamu Island, raising alarms over increasing insecurity and violent youth crime in the region.
The attack, which occurred last Friday, has unsettled local residents and sparked urgent calls for improved security measures and enhanced cooperation between law enforcement and the community.
Growing Youth Gang Violence
Led by Vocal Africa CEO Hussein Khalid, activists highlighted a worrying trend of young people joining gangs armed with machetes and knives, contributing to a surge in violent incidents. Khalid noted that assaults have extended beyond civilians to security personnel, signaling a significant deterioration in the county's security situation.
"We have witnessed chiefs being killed, young people suffering severe injuries, and now even security officers are being attacked. This pattern clearly shows that the security environment in Lamu is worsening," Khalid stated.
Calls for Enhanced Security Interventions
The activists urged the Ministry of Interior to step up security operations by equipping officers with better resources, specialized training, and adequate equipment to effectively address the rising threats.
Khalid questioned why Lamu had not received the same level of security support seen in other counties, emphasizing that equal attention is critical to restoring safety.
Community Engagement and Political Responsibility
Leaders from local civil society, including Lamu Civil Society Organisation chairman Shakir Ahmed, appealed to young people to reject violence and criminal group involvement. Ahmed underscored the collective responsibility of all residents to uphold the law and protect lives.
Resident Zeinab Ahmed condemned the attacks on security officers as unacceptable and urged public cooperation with law enforcement to maintain peace.
Vocal Africa Coast Coordinator Walid Sketty emphasized that security improvement requires collaboration beyond police efforts, calling on political leaders to actively engage communities and support dialogue aimed at preventing such violent incidents.
Looking Ahead
The activists concluded that restoring security in Lamu demands coordinated action among government agencies, political figures, and local communities to tackle root causes of violence and rebuild trust in law enforcement.
