Director of the Boni Enclave campaign Joseph Kanyiri during a past media briefing. [Photo/ the-star.co.ke]
Residents living near Boni Forest have been asked to relocate as the government’s makes real its plans to flush out al-Shabaab from the forest.
According to the director of the Operation Linda Boni now renamed Boni Enclave campaign Joseph Kanyiri, the bombing is expected to begin anytime hence the need for residents to move, the Star has reported.He said the bombing this time round will be too intense as they seek to rid the region of the terrorists.The government says the militias are using the expansive forest as their hideout to launch attacks in Lamu and the neighbouring counties.On Monday, Kanyiri revealed that they suspect some people posing as herders, are part of the militia group.He noted that the activities and movements of the herders are closely related to those of the al-Shabaab.Last week, he asked all herders to remove their animals from the forest.“We’re going to bomb the forest in a short while. That is why we are asking those around to move away. Those herders who claim not to see anything unusual inside the forest should also move out. We’re coming for al-Shabaab with a more serious force than before. If you don’t move out, we’ll bomb you and you won’t blame anyone,” said Kanyiri.He at the same time said individuals aiding the militants with food and information will be regarded as terrorists.He said they have arrested several terror suspects who will be arraigned in court soon.