Monday, March 02, 2015
Police in Mombasa are looking for the author of hate leaflets that claim the county has secured its independence.
The leaflets in Likoni, Mishomoroni, Kisauni and parts of Kilifi county urge all "non-Coastal" natives to leave the region.
Speaking to the Star on the phone yesterday, Mombasa police boss Robert Kitur dismissed the leaflets as mere attempts by desperate people to create unnecessary fear among residents.
"We are investigating the matter and are looking for the author," he said.
Kitur said the unsigned leaflets "are not a big issue as all the security apparatus are working as usual".
He was referring to a section of the leaflet that says "it is illegal to wear military or police fatigues and uniforms".
Kitur said someone is trying to cause unnecessary fear.
Abdalla Juma, a resident of Kisauni, said the leaflets must have been dropped outside specific houses.
"I do not know who was targeted because we found two leaflets outside our house last Friday," he said.
The leaflets, dated February 14, warned "Kenyan police" against carrying weapons in the Coast.
Mombasa county secretary Hamisi Mwaguya said the leaflets should not be taken lightly by the security apparatus.
He said Mombasa has experienced relative peace for the past four months and the leaflets should not cause any breach of the peace.
"Residents have been having some freedom, knowing their security is assured and nobody should instil fear in them," Mwaguya said.