Lamu leaders have called for further consultations into the state’s plan to build a military base in Witu town, Lamu West.
Over 30,000 acres of land have been acquired for that purpose in Nairobi ranch area that falls on the borderline of Witu in Lamu and Kipini area in Tana River county for the KDF base.
At least 18,900 acres have been acquired on the Lamu side while 11,100 acres have been set aside on the Tana River side.
At least 40,000 people on both sides will be affected and displaced by the plan.
Political and community leaders are however apprehensive as a section of the land is occupied by residents who risk being evicted.
The concern is for the government to provide a clear plan of how those who will be displaced will be resettled or compensated before any further steps are taken to establish the military base. This will avert any conflict with the community.
Lamu West MP Stanley Muthama and Senator Anwar Loitiptip expressed their support for the establishment of the base but called for further consultations between the county leadership, the affected communities and the National government first.
Muthama said there are schools, hospitals and other public amenities on the said lands, and that a proper mechanism was needed to ensure a smooth transition to avoid disrupting the lives of those affected.
“Over 40,000 people will need a proper resettlement plan beforehand. We are calling for further talks so that the lives of these people will not be affected because of this. Let the state tell us whether they will be compensated or resettled,” Muthama said.
Loitiptip said with the advent of massive projects like the Lamu port-LAPSSET and the crude oil pipeline, a military base is a crucial element to the security of the region.
Owing to the infiltration of al Shabaab militants and their sympathisers from neighbouring Somalia through the porous Kiunga border, the establishment of more military bases in Lamu will enhance response in case of terror attacks, the senator said.
He however insisted that in all measures being undertaken to achieve security in the region, the interests of the people must be given consideration and in this case, there is a need for a clear plan on whether they will be compensated for their lands or resettled before plans for the military base proceed.
“Otherwise, there will be rebellion and conflict from the people. Let us see that plan before anything else,” he said.
Witu community leader Mohamed Kulei said the amount of land acquired for the military base is too big and that the acreage needs to be reduced.
During a visit to Witu in Lamu over the weekend, Coast region coordinator John Elungata reiterated the government’s plan to build a military base in the area to boost security in the region.
He said the land will be purchased from residents and asked those with queries to channel them through their leaders.
-Edited by SKanyara
