Garissa Governor Nathif Jama has launched a scathing attack on acting Interior CS Fred Matiang’I after he imposed a curfew on some parts of the county ahead of the forthcoming general elections.
The curfew, which affected different parts including Hulugho Border Point, Galmagala, Sangailu, Masalani, Bodhai and Ijara in Garissa, has continued to attract mixed reactions from various leaders in the area as the election date draws closer.
This is after a gazette notice was issued by the CS that the curfew was going to be effected starting from July 9 to October 9, 2017 between 6.30pm and 6.30am.
Besides Garissa, the curfew has also affected various parts of Tana River and Lamu counties following increased incidents of terror attacks in the areas.
Addressing the electorate in Masalani town during his campaigns, .he county boss termed the curfew as unjustified, adding that the CS could have research on the areas since some of them do not record insecurity related issues as alleged.
Nathif said the curfew, “suspends the constitutional right to assemble by punishing the misdeeds of the few through the theft of constitutionally protected rights of the many,” he said.
The county boss, who is defending his post in August elections added: “Any order restricting constitutional rights must clearly communicate to the public when and where it will apply, articulate valid justifications for the restrictions, and provide ample alternative locations where people may gather to conduct their day-to-day activities.”
Matiang’i was appointed to act in this capacity following the sudden death of Joseph Nkaissery.
[Garissa Governor Nathif Jama at a past function. He has opposed curfew imposed in Garissa] ( Photo/the-star.co.ke)