Ijara MP Calls for the release of three abductees

Ijara MP Abdi Ali Abdi speaking at Masalani Primary School. [Abdimalik Hajir, Standard]

Ijara MP Abdi Ali Abdi has demanded the immediate release of three people in his constituency allegedly abducted and detained by security agencies.

Speaking in Masalani Primary School in his Ijara constituency, the lawmaker at the same time acknowledged what he termed as unwavering support in the fight against terror.

Abdi said he would support security agencies involved in protecting the area against Al-Shabaab militants.

He said security agencies cannot illegally abduct and detain suspects, noting that this undermines the fight against terror in the area.

"Today as we speak three people from this area are nowhere to be found, they are being held by security agencies without being taken through the normal judicial process, this is very unfortunate and we demand their immediate release," said the MP.

He said if the state machinery had anything against the trio, they should be produced in court noting that holding suspects without trial is against the constitution.

There has been an increase in attacks by Al-Shabaab militants in Lamu and areas near the expansive Boni forest, where there have been several Improvised Explosives Device attacks targeting both civilians and security agencies.

The government has on the other hand heightened security operations in the area with the deployment of more officers and National Police Reservists.

"President told us extra-judicial killings ended with the previous regime as leaders, we won't accept killings and abduction of our people. If someone is suspected of any wrongdoing, produce them in court, let them defend themselves," said Abdi.

Mr Abdi said the three abducted individuals in the area have been held for over 30 days, a matter he said has had a devastating effect on the affected families.