Goons attack relief food drive, steal from the needy

Goons stoned a relief food distribution drive and stole food on Tuesday.

Governor Fahim Twaha has condemned the attack on the drive he was leading at Mikinduni area in Lamu West.

The governor had just flagged off the food drive for more than 1,500 households in Mikinduni A&B, Nyatha, Witho, Poromoko, Mavuno, Juhudi, and Manyatta in Mkunumbi wards.

Then the thugs struck, trying to disrupt his efforts and discredit Twaha.

On Wednesday, the governor termed the attack selfish and politically motivated against innocent and needy people. 

Twaha said hiring goons to disrupt a peaceful legitimate government activity, out of malice or political envy, is ill-timed, unintelligible, hurts the mwananchi and sets a very dangerous precedence ahead of the elections.

“We therefore demand that the perpetrators, including the masterminds of the barbaric act of stoning civilians, be investigated, prosecuted, and jailed," the governor said.

"We applaud the heavily armed police officers on the scene for successfully repelling the attackers, and acting with restraint to restore peace and order,” Twaha said.

He warned the thugs, saying the risks associated with what they were hired to do are far greater than they realise.

“The security apparatus are on high alert, and if they continue to engage in dangerous behaviour, they will face the full force of the law.

"We ask all leaders, aspirants, civic and faith leaders, and the mwananchi to promote peace and tolerance as the election draws near and tensions grow,” Twaha said.

The governor urged the public and fellow politicians to speak out  explicitly against violence and threats of violence that undermine unity of Lamu people.

“Elections come and go, but Lamu and its people will always remain. Lamu is bigger than any election,” the governor said.

Police are investigating the attack.

(Edited by V. Graham)

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