Watamu locals in Kilifi County are concerned about the increase in insecurity and are urging the government to beef up security over the holiday season.
This comes after an incident on Friday morning in which guests were allegedly harassed by security agents.
The inhabitants complain that security officers have been neglecting their duties, resulting in an increase in harassment of both residents and tourists.
“Tukaenda starehe zetu Watamu na tukafanya sherehe. Kurudi kwetu, moja wetu akakalia pikipiki, tulipofika gate ya hoteli, ndo hao polisi wakasema tusiingie, kutoka hapo, ikazidi kuwa mbaya,” Fred Kamau, a visitor at Watamu said. Watamu villagers urged police officers to beef up security throughout the holiday season.
“Usalama inahitajika kuimarika kulingana na hali ya watalii kuongezeka,” John Msafiri, a resident, noted.This comes after a global survey named Kenya among 50 Sub-Saharan African countries accused of suppressing human rights in the previous year.
The civil society group CIVICUS produced a study titled People Power Under Attack 2024, which reduced Kenya’s civic space rating from “obstructed” to “repressed,” noting police brutality during mid-2024 protests.
According to CIVICUS, the violent suppression of protesters, which resulted in at least 60 deaths and over 1,000 arrests, was a significant violation of civic freedoms.
“Abductions of protesters and online supporters have continued months after the demonstrations, creating a chilling effect on civic participation,” reads the report.
The protests began in response to a planned Finance Bill, which provoked considerable public indignation due to its high tax burden on vital products and services.
