Religious leaders condemn Police assault on Siyu Island residents

Religious leaders have condemned what they describe as an unwarranted assault on residents of Siyu Island by security officers, calling for an urgent and independent investigation into the incident.

The leaders expressed concern over a security operation conducted in Lamu East that left at least 16 residents injured.

According to residents, security officers raided the island in the early hours of Friday, May 30, assaulting locals with whips. Some officers are also accused of storming homes, terrorizing occupants, and robbing them of their property.

Speaking during a press conference in Mombasa on Saturday, Sheikh Abu Hamzah called for immediate investigations into the operation and demanded accountability for the officers involved. "All the police officers involved should be removed from the area and appropriate action taken against them. No one is above the law," said the prominent Mombasa-based scholar.

He warned that the collective punishment of innocent residents could damage the relationship between local communities and security agencies.

"If there were specific individuals the police were pursuing, they should not have resorted to assaulting innocent people and confiscating their property," he said.

Human rights organisations also condemned the operation, describing it as an excessive use of force against residents, including young people and school-going children.

"The use of force by law enforcement officers must at all times remain lawful, proportionate, and accountable. No Kenyan should be subjected to torture, assault, or degrading treatment under any circumstance," Haki Africa said in a statement.

The organisation further emphasized that the Constitution guarantees every person the right to dignity, security, and freedom from cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment.

"These rights must be respected and upheld by all state agencies, including security officers," the statement added.

Haki Africa called on the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to conduct an immediate and independent investigation into the incident to establish the facts and ensure accountability for any officers found culpable.

The police are yet to issue an official response on the matter.