Women of Hindi, Lamu County, have asked for urgent action over insecurity issues stemming from land disputes and constant attacks.
The women were speaking at a peace and reconciliation Baraza held by the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) on Sunday to resolve the insecurity issues.
Lamu has seen a series of attacks on residents that authorities have linked to land disputes among the community members.
Miriam Muthoni, a mother of six and a resident of Hindi, witnessed her husband being lynched in the presence of her children in 2021 over a land dispute.
“My children and I are now living in fear of more attacks,” she said.
She also expressed fear that due to projections of area growth for the Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia-Transport Corridor (LAPSSET), their lands were under the constant watch of tycoons.
She said that she was grateful that for the first time since the attack, someone had shown concern by giving her a platform to talk.
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The same sentiments were shared by Margaret Kanyingi who said that women and girls’ safety were at risk due to the constant unrest.
“Women and girls have been assaulted and harassed by goons during these attacks and it could get even worse,” she said.
Kanyingi said the elected leaders do not live in Lamu hence do not relate to their problems.
She added that junior officers at Hindi misreport their grievances to top officials, leading to delayed justice.
In response, NCIC Chairman Samuel Kobia said that they would launch a psychosocial support project for victims dating all the way to 2014.
He also said that they would camp in Hindi and Mpeketoni in Lamu until they ensure there is a resolution.
Kobia said that he would ensure President Uhuru Kenyatta speeds up the issuance of title deeds before the August polls to ensure the residents are secure.
“It is a constitutional right for all Kenyans to live anywhere without fear. NCIC will not tolerate incitement. Those caught inciting and radicalizing others will be dealt with,” he said.
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Kobia said a multi-agency task force would be formed to ensure the issues are sorted.
“The task force will include the National Lands Commission, Ministry of Interior, the National Police Commission, and the residents of Lamu,” he added.
The peace Baraza was hosted by Lamu County Commissioner Irungu Macharia.
Macharia emphasised the importance of women’s involvement in peace talks because they are the core of the family and the most affected in times of violence together with children. BY THE STAR