This archive report was first published on 15 November 2019.
Published on November 15, 2019, a Nation investigation revealed that Mararani village in Lamu County, once a thriving community with over 80 households, has been left deserted due to frequent Al-Shabaab raids.
The village, located inside the dense Boni forest, is one of the five villages that have been in the spotlight for the past five years following terror attacks by the al-Qaeda-linked al Shabaab.
Launched in September 2015, the Linda Boni operation aimed to flush out militants hiding in the forest. Although peace and stability have been restored in the area, Mararani remains a pale shadow of its former self.
Mararani headman Hassan Mahadhi praised the government's efforts to address the Al-Shabaab problem but expressed concern that many residents fled due to fear for their lives.
'It's unfortunate that during the frequent Al-Shabaab attacks in 2014 and 2015, many families fled to areas like Kiunga, Bar'goni, Hindi, Mokowe, and Lamu towns fearing for their lives,' Mr Mahadhi said.
He pleaded with the government to find ways to encourage those who fled to return, especially with the planned reopening of primary schools in the area.
Elder Abdi Chengele urged the government to construct good roads and improve amenities such as hospitals in the remote villages to motivate residents to return.
'Security has been restored but the only challenge we have is poor roads. They are all in deplorable state and motorcycles can't even operate in this area. There are no shops and dispensaries,' Mr Chengele said.
Lamu County Commissioner Irungu Macharia said plans are underway to reconstruct the 250-kilometre Hindi-Boni forest-Kiunga road and the Kiunga-Mkokoni road to ease movement of goods, security agencies, and civilians.
