LAMU-Human rights activists have raised concern over deteriorating security in Lamu County following the stabbing and injury of a Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) officer, warning that the incident reflects the growing threat posed by youth involvement in violent crime.
The attack, which happened on Friday, sparked fear among residents and renewed calls for stronger security measures, improved coordination among security agencies, and greater public involvement in fighting crime.
Vocal Africa Chief Executive Hussein Khalid said the assault on the officer was a clear indication that insecurity in Lamu had reached worrying levels and required urgent intervention from the government.
“So far, the problem of young people joining gangs and using machetes and knives to attack others in Lamu has become widespread,” Hussein said.
He added that a pattern of violent incidents had emerged in the county, affecting both ordinary residents and government officials responsible for maintaining law and order.
“We have seen chiefs killed, young people having their legs cut, and now even security officers are being attacked and stabbed. All this is a clear indication that security has deteriorated in Lamu,” he said.
Hussein urged the Ministry of Interior to strengthen security operations in the county by equipping officers with adequate resources, modern tools and specialised training to respond effectively to the rising cases of violence.
He questioned why security interventions implemented in other parts of the country could not be extended to Lamu, saying residents deserved equal attention in efforts to restore peace.
“Lamu deserves the same attention and security interventions being given to other parts of the country,” he said.
The activists also appealed to residents to support ongoing investigations by providing information that could help identify suspects and prevent further attacks.
Lamu Civil Society Organisation chairman Shakir Ahmed called on young people to avoid criminal groups and take responsibility for promoting peace within their communities.
“Every member of the community must obey the law and value the lives of fellow residents. We urge young people to stay away from violent groups and instead work with community leaders to promote peace and strengthen security,” Ahmed said.
Resident Zeinab Ahmed condemned attacks targeting security officers, saying such acts undermine efforts to maintain law and order.
“We strongly condemn these attacks on security officers and appeal to members of the public to cooperate with security agencies in maintaining peace across our county,”she said.
Meanwhile, Vocal Africa Coast Coordinator Walid Sketty said restoring security in Lamu required involvement beyond law enforcement agencies, noting that political leaders and local communities also had an important role to play.
“We are calling on politicians from the Coast region to engage directly with communities and support dialogue involving residents and the security agencies so that incidents such as this do not happen again,” Walid said.
The activists maintained that addressing insecurity in Lamu would require a coordinated approach involving government agencies, political leaders and residents to tackle the causes of violence and rebuild public confidence in security institutions.
