Coast Regional Coordinator Nelson Marwa Nelson Marwa (right) during a surveillance mission.
Elders from Lamu's Boni minority community have warned Coast Regional Coordinator Nelson Marwa to keep off issues concerning the Boni forest.
This came just days after Marwa's Thursday suggestion that the forest be bombed to kick out out the Al-Shabaab militants said to be hiding there.
Speaking to journalists in Bar’goni village on Sunday, the community's elders told Marwa to stay away from their forest since he cannot think of any other way to fight the Al Shabab.
Through Bar’goni village Boni Community elder Doza Diza, the community questioned why the state has reached such a decision of bombing the forest despite the fact that the community depends on it for survival.
“Mr Marwa should think of other ways of dealing with the terrorists and not bombing our forest,” said Mr Diza.
“As a community we believe there are many other ways to tackle this. The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) soldiers should work with the local youth who know the forest really well.
“We have our shrines and graves of our forefathers inside that forest. That’s where we get our food from. Basically, that’s our lifeline…,” said another leader.
“We are ready to be recruited as KPR provided the government equip us with modern weaponry and clothing. They should also think of giving us salaries to boost our morale,” said Guyo Abdi, an elder.