By KALUME KAZUNGU
The over 3,000 villagers affected by the ongoing Operation Linda Boni in Lamu East have not received any humanitarian aid, the Nation has established.
The government had promised to provide relief food and other support to locals who were going to be affected by the 90-day security operation inside and outside Boni Forest.
The crackdown which was launched at Hindi on Friday by Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph Nkaissery, is meant to flush out Al-Shabaab militants from the forest from which they launch terror attacks.
About 39 families who vacated their lands in Milimani and Mangai are currently putting up camps at Mswakini Village in Bar’goni, with 40 others camping at the Bodhai border between Lamu and Garissa counties.
Addressing residents at Hindi during the commissioning of the operation on Friday last week, Mr Nkaissery had assured the residents occupying areas designated for the major security operation of comfort during the 90 days of the security mop-up.
Speaking to the Nation at the Mswakini camp Sunday, the locals said they were not contended with the manner in which the government had gone silent despite promising them of immediate assistance once they vacated their villages to pave way for the operation.
NOTHING TO EAT OR DRINK
Mrs Bonaya Ali said since their arrival at the camp, no aid had been provided with most of the families having nothing to eat or drink.
“We are experiencing difficulties here. We fled our villages with the hope that the government would give us aid.
“We left our things but the way things are, I think we will have to leave this place and return to our villages where we can find water and food easily.
“We have had enough problems within the few days we have been here,” said Mrs Ali.
The residents are yet to know when the government will give them the aid which they have waited for for almost a week.
“If it’s hard for the government to assist us, then it’s better for us to return to our villages.
“We have our own food there. The operation can go on while we are there. We are almost starving here at the camp,” said Mr Guyo Toto.
The operation follows constant terror threats, attacks and invasions perpetrated by Al-Shabaab militants in various parts of Lamu County, particularly areas bordering the vast Boni Forest.