The government has announced the closure of Kenya’s border with Somalia in Lamu indefinitely in a bid to counter terror attacks in different parts of the country in the recent past.
The closure of the border comes at a time when KDF forces have intensified security operations in the neighbouring country in the fight against Al-Shabaab militants.
Confirming the closure of the border, Lamu County Police Commander Muchangi Kioi said that the border will remain closed until further notice.
He, however, said that security officers will be allowed to access the border as they continue with operations to tame the terror militia groups in Somali.
The residents in the area have also been warned against conducting any form of trade across the border lest they are killed or arrested over the same. Traders who will not adhere to the directive risk losing their licenses or face arrest.
The government also outlawed fishing at the Coast to minimize the activities of the terror militia. The move was compounded by increased cases of human trafficking, sale of fake goods and drug trafficking.
Kioi also said that KDF officers have impounded illegal sugar from Brazil. The security team has since warned traders against conducting business across the border.
“We have already seized at least 10 bags of illegal sugar of Brazilian origin. They were purchased from Somalia by residents in Kiunga. I want to make it clear that it is an offence to engage in any manner of cross-border trade with those from Somalia,” said Kioi.