Pressure Mounts to End Lamu Night Curfew as Rights Groups Demand Immediate Compliance with Court Order

Human rights groups and leaders from the Coast region have intensified pressure on the government to immediately lift the long-running night curfew in Lamu County following a court order suspending its enforcement.

Civil society organisations in Mombasa joined leaders from Lamu County in demanding full implementation of conservatory orders issued by the Garsen High Court, arguing that residents have suffered under the restrictions for far too long.

The orders were issued on May 21, 2026, by Jesse Nyagah, suspending enforcement of the Public Order (Curfew) (Lamu, Garissa and Tana River Counties) Order, 2017, pending hearing and determination of a petition challenging the legality of the curfew.

The curfew was first introduced in July 2017 following heightened security concerns linked to terrorism and criminal activities associated with armed groups operating in the Boni Forest region.

However, residents, activists and business operators have consistently argued that the restrictions have overstayed and unfairly punished ordinary citizens while crippling economic activities in the region.

The renewed calls come amid growing tension at the Minjila area along the Mombasa–Lamu Road near the Lamu–Tana River border, where dozens of trucks, buses and private vehicles remain stranded as police continue enforcing the night curfew despite the court directive.

Travellers and transport operators accused security officers of ignoring the court ruling by maintaining roadblocks and conducting prolonged inspections during night hours.

Business owners and residents say the continued restrictions have severely affected transport, trade and tourism, leading to economic losses and unnecessary delays along the highway.

Some travellers also raised concern over insecurity caused by prolonged stoppages at checkpoints during late-night hours.

Human rights groups now want the government and security agencies to respect the court’s decision and restore unrestricted movement within the affected counties.

“This curfew has affected livelihoods, freedom of movement and business operations for years. The court has spoken and the orders should be obeyed immediately,” one activist said during a press briefing in Mombasa.

Despite the mounting pressure, the Kenya Police Service defended the continued security operations, saying roadblocks and enforcement measures remain necessary due to persistent bandit attacks linked to criminal groups operating from the Boni Forest along the Mombasa–Lamu highway.

Security officials maintain that the measures are aimed at protecting travellers and residents from potential attacks while operations against criminal networks continue in the region.

The legal battle over the curfew is expected to reignite debate over the balance between national security and protection of constitutional freedoms in Kenya’s coastal and northeastern regions.