Forces surround Lamu’s Boni Forest as major security operation looms

KENYA: Military and police units are pouring into areas around Boni Forest in Lamu East ahead of a major security operation.
They are said to be in their final preparations for the operation, which is meant to flush out Al-Shabaab militants.

Security agencies believe the terrorists are hiding in the forest and have been using it as a base for launching attacks.

Kenya Police Spokesperson Charles Owino said they were in the deployment stage and the operation had not begun.

“We are deploying officers to Boni forest and soldiers to man the borders,” he told the Nation by telephone Wednesday. “Once we are ready, we will tell you.”

The forest has been under heavy guard for the last three days, with extensive aerial, water and land surveillance reported.

Despite Inspector-General of Police Joseph Boinnet’s notice to the residents of the neighbouring Basuba, Mangai, Mararani, Milimani, Ishakani and parts of Kiunga villages to leave to pave way for the operation, many are staying put, saying they do not have anywhere else to go.

INCREASED MILITARY PRESENCE

Residents who talked to the Nation said they had observed increased military presence and surveillance.

“We have seen military trucks fully loaded with soldiers patrolling these areas every now and then.

“We have also seen increased number of military planes in the last three days,” said a resident of Basuba.

Meanwhile, Lamu leaders have demanded a proper resettlement plan and elaborate security arrangements for the residents before they vacate their homes.

Deputy Governor Eric Mugo and Lamu West MP Julius Ndegwa Wednesday said there was a need for the National Government to provide the county government with a resettlement plan.

ADEQUATE SECURITY

They further said the National Government should ensure the Basuba residents are provided with a shelter and adequate security wherever they will be.

“We support the security operation and, in fact, we believe it’s long overdue.

“What we are asking is for the government to ensure these people who have been asked out of their homes have a roof over their heads and proper security.

“So far, we haven’t seen any plan outlining how they (officials) plan to resettle these people till the operation is through,” said Mr Mugo.

The leaders said it was challenging for the county government to step in since the National Government had not given a clear plan.

Daily Nation