Granny seeks shelter in school after weekend attacks in Lamu

Agnes Njeri, a 75-year-old resident of Salama village, is among the 100 people who sought refuge at Juhudi Primary School following a weekend attack that left five people dead and several houses torched.

Like the others, she fled her home in fear and uncertainty, leaving behind her entire life.

Residents are forced to abandon their homes everyday at 5 pm in search of a secure place to spend the night, before returning to their homes the next morning to attend to their farms.

This temporary reprieve has its own challenges; which includes the biting cold and riotous mosquitos that have become part of their nights.

Lamu County Governor Issa Timamy visited the area to condole with the affected families.

He gave each family that lost their loved ones Ksh 175,000, while those that had their houses torched received Ksh 75,000.

Timamy also urged the residents to remain calm as security forces pursue the criminals responsible for the attack. 

The governor has asked security forces to establish a permanent security camp in areas such as Juhudi, Marafa, and Salama to prevent future attacks.

Residents camping at Juhudi Primary School want the government to provide them with security and to find a lasting solution to the attacks.

They have also urged the authorities to bring the perpetrators of the heinous acts to justice.

As for Agnes Njeri and the other displaced residents, they wait with hope that the government will act swiftly to ensure their safety and the protection of their property.