President Uhuru lifts Tana River curfew

By PSCU

Tana, Kenya: President Uhuru Kenyatta on Saturday lifted the curfew imposed by the Government in Tana River County last year but warned that punitive measures would be taken should violence flare up again.

The President took the decision following requests by local leaders led by Tana River County Governor Hussein Daddo to lift the 6.00 pm to 6.00 am curfew that was slapped in the area following the eruption of tribal clashes in the county that claimed over 200 lives.

 “I am committed to unite with you to bring peace in this area. I therefore lift the curfew as requested by your Governor. Yet, if you go back to fighting, do not blame the Government for the action that would taken,” said the President.

The President was speaking in Hola Town when he addressed Wananchi during a public meeting meant to launch issuance of title deeds in the area but which was halted in the last minute over security concerns and the need to verify genuine beneficiaries.

President Uhuru called on leaders and citizens to co-exist and uphold peace in order to cultivate a friendly environment for business and other development activities.

 “Leaders must ensure they unite all the communities and maintain peace. It is up to us all to prevail on leaders to stop inciting wananchi so that pastoralists and farmers co-exist peacefully and carry out their economic activities unhindered,” he said.

He said continued conflicts among communities in the Tana Delta area would retard development and made a strong appeal to leaders to learn to negotiate and resolve problems whenever they arise.

“Nothing is possible if there is no peace. We cannot create wealth if there is fighting between communities. Not even surveying can take place. So let’s live like Kenyans,” he said.

Following complaints from local leaders, the President ordered for the cancellation of all suspect title deeds in the area and a repeat allocation process involving all leaders be commenced to ensure justice and equity.