Normal life affected after curfew imposed on Mandera

Resident of the town at Kenya’s border Somalia have expressed their dissatisfaction following extending of a curfew imposed on them which will run to March 28, 2017 from 6:30pm to 6:30am, something the locals are bitter about.

Mohamed Abdullahi Hiish, a trader said Businesses have to close as early as 4pm to beat the curfew hours, which is extremely detrimental to the socio-economic well being of the population.

Hiish said the curfew blocked them from attending evening and early morning prayers, which fall within the prohibited hours.

Another resident, Hassan Gudow said the curfew has affected the lives locals negatively.

“We can’t go on my daily activities like before. Traveling at night is now a problem. I have a restaurant in this town. My restaurant since the curfew started has lost most customers,” said Gudow.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph Nkaissery announced the curfew on October 25 last year, ordering that residents remain indoors between 6.30pm and 6.30am, following the killing of 12 people at Bishaaro lodge in Mandera.

Al-Shabaab has carried out several attacks in Mandera – in an incident on 6th January, Suspected Al-Shabaab fighters killed a Kenya Police Reservist (KPR) in dawn raid on a private bank and two hotels in Mandera town.