Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua declined the request of former Lamu County Woman representative Shakilla Mohammed to have roadblocks with sniffer dogs removed in Lamu County.
Speaking during a funeral service in Lamu on Thursday, September 19, Gachagua explained that the government could not grant the request owing to security concerns.
He added that the sniffer dogs were important in detective explosives that are used by terrorists to cause harm.
Therefore, the DP reiterated that the security dogs and roadblocks would only be removed once the threat of terrorism ends.
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"Security is paramount in this county. Lamu is an important county, rich in resources including the blue economy. We are kindly asking for unity of communities living here. I want to encourage you to continue building cohesion for the purposes of communal unity," he stated.
"I have heard the request by Ms Shakilla Abdallah, but I want to inform you that it will not be possible to remove the sniffer dogs on our roads. Let's give our officers time to ensure that there is safety. Those sniffer dogs are doing a good job of detecting explosives."
In the meantime, he urged the residents to continue cooperating with the security agencies in dealing with threats posed by terrorists and criminals at the Coast.
Additionally, he urged the residents to embrace peace despite their cultural, tribal and ethnic diversities.
"I want to commend the NGAOs for the peace in the county. Since the last time our President had a meeting with local leaders and the administration of Lamu County, things have worked out in a positive manner. I want to ask you to continue with the good job you are all doing," the DP added.
