Lamu Women Representative Shakilla Abdalla at a past event. [Photo/ voteforme.co.ke]
Lamu Women Representative Shakilla Abdalla has criticized Coast Regional Coordinator Nelson Marwa for releasing the list of potential violence hotspots in the region.
Shakilla said the announcement by Marwa was not only ill-timed but was also likely to affect the political situation in the region.
The Women Rep said the security department could have used the information to put in place necessary measures rather than making the announcement.
Shakilla accused Marwa of created tension in the region with less than two months to the next general election.
“Having done their research and known that Lamu and the others are potential hot spots for poll violence, I believe they should have silently found means and ways of addressing the real causes of the issue instead of announcing it like that,” said Shakilaa, as quoted by Baraka FM.
Shakilla also claimed residents in the region are now living in a state of fear following the announcement.
She called upon the government to ensure there is peace before, during and after the August election.
“People are now scared and tense. It’s not good and even Marwa knows that. The government must do everything to ensure the elections are peaceful by dealing with any problems now before August 8,” said Shakilla.
She further said that Lamu has never been known for violence as claimed.
Tana River and Kilifi were also listed as hotspots.