Nairobi — The government has set up more security facilities in Lamu's Marafa, Widho, Juhudi, and Salama areas to strengthen the anti-terrorism efforts in the county.
In a statement released on Thursday, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki also announced the planned renovation of a number of security facilities to provide agencies with the best possible advantage against criminal groups.
''The Government remains seized of the security situation in Lamu County to neutralize the threats posed by terrorists, extremist ideologies and other criminals,'' Kindiki said.
He ordered a crackdown for investigations, arrest and prosecution of all those using social media and other media to incite the public to hate and violence along religious, ethnic, political or other sectarian parameters.
He assured the government's commitment to Continue engagement with communities to build their confidence with security agencies.
Kindiki announced enhanced measuresamid increasing cases of insecurity in Lamu County.
Terror sponsors
On October 18, the government revealed the identities of 35 persons linked to terrorist activities in Lamu and the Boni enclave that has experienced an upsurge in Al-Shabaab-sponsored attacks.
The Ministry of Interior and National Administration published the names and circulated the images of the suspects who include both foreign and local fighters.
The ministry listed UK citizen, Tanzanians, an Ethiopian, a Bangladeshi among other nationalities.
Security intelligence linked the 35 to the placement of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) on various earth roads in the area.
They are also accused of the cold-blooded murders of civilians at Lango la Simba, Witu, Mpeketoni, Juhudi, Salama, Hindi, and other areas, and the attack on the American Military Base at Manda Bay on January 5, 2020.
''Security and Intelligence agencies are appealing to the public to volunteer information that will lead to the arrest of thirty-five (35) masterminds of the terror network responsible for the deadly terrorist attacks in Lamu County and the Boni Enclave generally,'' Kindiki said at the time.
