Lamu Residents Protest Gachagua’s Political Comments, Warning Against Ethnic Fissures Growing in Kenya
The residents emphasized that continued divisive talk threatens the fragile social harmony in the coastal county and called on national leaders to promote inclusive politics
Abubakar Bini. Photo/Achieng Kemuma
By Achieng Kemuma
Lamu County residents have taken to task the statements allegedly made by the former deputy president, Rigathi Gakhagua, in recent days prompting some ethnicities to position themselves ahead of the 2027 election in order to take other political offices in the county. According to these residents, the statements are rife with divisions which threaten to polarize communities within the region.
While speaking to the media, community representatives led by Abubakar Bini and Abdulaziz Mohammed accused some politicians of using incendiary statements which have contributed to insecurity and harsh security measures in Lamu. Their warning was that such statements are potentially damaging to unity much more in a diverse county.
The residents further raised concerns over the curfews from dusk to dawn that have been in force for over ten years now. They added that the curfews have negatively affected the economy of the region in terms of trade and tourism, fishing activities, and day-to-day life. According to this group, the sustained restriction has deprived residents of chances to earn a living, further impeding economic growth in this coastal county.
They now want the Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen to hastily revisit the security outcome and lift the curfew and corresponding measures to allow commerce and livelihoods to recover. Residents opined that security advancement must be measured against the broader facets of personalized normalcy for these populations.
In tandem with that, the coalition wants politicians to refrain from making utterances that will ignite ethnic divisions, especially now that we are gearing up to the next general election in the country. The group warned that statements attributed to Gachagua regarding the one-community petting leadership areas, including governor, senator, woman representative, or parliamentary seats; would possibly result in political exclusion and marginalization of the indigenous communities.
This narrative shows that such influences are now seeping under the ground into Lamu-based ethnic politics-it is not pure old land and resource-related figures cause being teased. The promotion of a single group will entrench production of fissures and resentment, bringing unrest.
Community leaders said that they will mobilize elders, women’s groups and others-in order to ensure that citizens are united-for peaceful political contests and also adherence to constitutional values. Leaders should focus on issues rather than tribal mobilization, they added, saying inclusive leadership is essential for peace and development in the long run.
The residents stressed that such rhetoric is continually divisive and threatens Lamu County’s fragile social fabric. They appealed to both national and local leaders to champion inclusive and responsible politics, while reiterating the demand to relax security restrictions immediately to reinstate normalcy and spur economic activity within the region.
About Author
