Bajuni community elders have given the government seven days to comply with a court order directing the reopening of the Lamu Highway, warning that failure to act could trigger large-scale peaceful protests.
Speaking during a press briefing in Mombasa on Tuesday, the elders, led by Sultan Omar Sharif, expressed frustration over what they described as the government's continued failure to implement court rulings ordering the reopening of the road.
The leaders said the highway has remained inaccessible for years due to security measures linked to a curfew imposed in Lamu County more than a decade ago. According to them, the prolonged restrictions have disrupted movement and negatively affected the daily lives of residents.
“The community has exercised patience while awaiting implementation of the court's directives but residents would be forced to pursue other lawful means if the government continued to disregard the orders,” he said.
The elders were backed by human rights activists led by Vocal Africa Executive Director Hussein Khalid, who accused security agencies of disregarding judicial decisions by failing to enforce the court's directive.
Hussein said adherence to court rulings is a fundamental principle of the rule of law and urged authorities to respect judicial decisions regardless of the circumstances surrounding the matter.
He also called on residents to continue pursuing justice through lawful and peaceful means, stressing that government institutions must remain accountable to the courts.
The Bajuni elders and rights campaigners said they would organise large-scale peaceful demonstrations if no action is taken within the seven-day ultimatum. They maintained that their campaign would continue until the court order is fully implemented.
The renewed pressure comes barely a week after residents staged demonstrations in Lamu demanding the lifting of the curfew and the restoration of unrestricted night travel following a ruling by the High Court in Garsen suspending the measures.
Protesters argued that despite the court's decision, the restrictions remain in place, disrupting economic activities across the county.
Security officials have previously indicated that additional time is needed to establish procedures for implementing the suspension, citing Lamu's security-sensitive status.
However, residents, led by activist and nominated Senator Shakila Abdallah, insist that the continued enforcement of the restrictions is harming livelihoods, particularly among fishermen, traders and businesses that depend on tourism.
Among those who joined the demonstrations was Muslims for Human Rights (MUHURI) Executive Director Khelef Khalifa, who argued that authorities should either comply with the court order or formally seek more time through legal channels.
Khelef warned that continued non-compliance with the ruling could escalate tensions and undermine public confidence in state institutions.
He further threatened that activists could organise a three-day shutdown of the Lamu Highway if authorities fail to implement the court's directive.
He maintained that senior government officials, including Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja and Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, are obligated to obey court orders.
Khelef also criticised the prolonged enforcement of the curfew, arguing that residents have lived under the restrictions for approximately 12 years despite constitutional safeguards governing such measures.
According to activists, the prolonged restrictions have had significant economic consequences for island communities, particularly those involved in fishing, trade and tourism — sectors that form the backbone of Lamu's economy.
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