Police have claimed that Al-Shabaab militants are relying on illegal logging and charcoal burning in Boni forest for funding.
Speaking while launching a crackdown on loggers and charcoal burners, Lamu Police Commander Muchangi Kioi said that the police have intensified patrols to ensure no logging. He said that the police will continue until the logging business is completely eradicated.
“The public should understand that we will not entertain logging or any other activity which is against the law,” he said.
The police who linked frequent cases of Al-Shabaab attacks to areas with rampant charcoal burning and illegal logging of timber also revealed that the proceeds from charcoal, timber and game meat are being used to buy food and water for Al-Shabaab terrorists inside Boni forest and warned locals from engaging in the business.
“We have discovered that proceeds from charcoal, timber and even game meat are being used to buy food and water for Al-Shabaab inside Boni forest. I therefore warn members of the public agaist engaging in such businesses,” said Mr. Kioi.
Mr. Kioi was accompanied by Witu forest manager John Mbori who also promised to put all measures to stop logging and charcoal burning in Boni and other areas in Lamu. Mr.Mbori called for concerted efforts for the success of the logging ban.