Lamu West residents have fled Silini and Bobo villages in Hindi division following the beheading of four men by al Shabaab. The lot has left in fear of being attacked and killed by the terror group sprawling the area.
One of the men was killed as he cut wood at a forest in Silini on Tuesday evening while the three others were murdered in their homes at Bobo.
A spot check by the Star on Friday revealed many homes have been deserted. Many families have also been spending nights in the bushes since the killings took place and only go back to their homes in the morning. Some villagers also spend nights at Bobo Primary School and only retreat to their homes at dawn while others stay in Hindi town.
Businesses have also been interrupted as many shops remain close since their owners have fled. Residents want police patrols intensified both in the villages and in Hindi town.
“People have fled from here and gone to other counties. Others are still around but sleep in the forest and come back in the morning,” said Cyprian Mwengi.
“Others sleep in lodgings. No one feels safe to sleep in their homes. Even in the forests, we are still risking because that’s the same place these killers hide.”
Residents held demos on Wednesday and Thursday in protest against increased insecurity and demanded that acting CS Fred Matiag’i visits Lamu.
County commissioner Gilbert Kitiyo warned against continued demos saying they will be considered criminal acts. He said those who take part in the demos will be arrested and charged for causing public unrest. The administrator assured security was intensified in affected areas and the entire county. He said there is 24-hour police surveillance that ground and air patrols take place to keep the people safe.