Bajuni Elders Decry Continued Lamu Travel Ban Issue 7-Day Ultimatum



Bajuni elders from Lamu County have given the government a seven-day ultimatum to reopen the Lamu Highway, citing a court order that directed authorities to lift night travel ban along the route.

Addressing the media in Mombasa on 16th June,2026, the elders, led by Bajuni Sultan Omar Sharif, accused the government of defying the court ruling and disregarding the rights of Lamu residents by maintaining what they described as an unlawful night curfew.

The leaders said the continued restrictions have disrupted daily life and crippled economic activities, making it difficult for residents to travel freely and conduct business.

“If the government does not open the road within seven days, we will take to the streets. On Sunday, we will block the road. Whether they open it or not, they will know who we are,” warned Sharif.

The elders argued that despite several court directives ordering the reopening of the highway 24/7, security agencies have continued to enforce restrictions, causing hardship for local communities.

Also speaking at the press briefing, the Executive Director of the Muslim Human Rights Forum (MUHURI), Khelef Khalifa, condemned the government's failure to comply with court orders, terming it a violation of the Constitution and the rule of law.

“This is not the first time the court has ordered that this road be reopened, yet police officers are still stationed there harassing travelers. It paints a very bad picture,” said Khalifa.

Khalifa further accused the government of treating Coastal residents as second-class citizens despite being law-abiding Kenyans, and called for immediate compliance with the court ruling.

The ultimatum comes amid growing frustration among Lamu residents, who say the prolonged night travel ban have adversely affected transport, trade and access to essential services.

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