The elders agreed the forest, which has been their lifeline for decades, has now become a security threat to the entire county.
They said they will support the government if it decides to bomb the forest, saying they have experienced what it means to live next to a forest inhabited by militants. The elders initially had criticized Coast coordinator Nelson Marwa’s threat to bomb the forest. They say now they will lend him and his team all the required support.
They said all they want is peace of mind. Council spokesperson Adan Golja said they are tired of the endless sleepless nights they have to endure due to the militants.
He said the forest is no longer holy and sanctified, since the presence of the militants has destroyed its purity. “It’s okay for the forest to be bombed so these militants will have nowhere to hide. If that will bring to an end the menace, so be it,” Golja said.