By Issa Hussein - Reporter
Kenya, June 06, 2026 - Hundreds of residents, youth groups, and civil society organizations took to the streets of Lamu on Friday to protest the continued enforcement of the county's night curfew despite a recent High Court ruling declaring the measure unlawful.
The peaceful demonstration brought together activists from the Muslims for Human Rights (MUHURI), HAKI Africa, VOCAL Africa, the Lamu Youth Assembly, and local residents who accused authorities of disregarding court orders and violating constitutional rights.
The protest follows a High Court decision issued last month that ordered the lifting of the curfew, which was first imposed more than a decade ago as part of security measures aimed at combating terrorism and insecurity in the coastal county.
In a statement, MUHURI criticized the government for allegedly continuing to enforce the restrictions despite the court's ruling.
"The High Court drew a line in the sand last month when it pronounced so abundantly clearly that the Lamu night curfew was and is dead. Yet, the State is actively choosing to break the law," the organization said.
MUHURI argued that the continued enforcement of the curfew amounted to a violation of the rule of law and pledged to pursue legal avenues to hold those responsible accountable.
The Lamu Youth Assembly also backed the demonstrations, saying the curfew had imposed significant social and economic costs on residents, particularly young people.
"For over 12 years, the continued curfew in Lamu has had far-reaching social and economic consequences," the group said in a statement.
The youth organization argued that while security remains a legitimate concern, judicial decisions must be respected and implemented.
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According to the assembly, the prolonged restrictions have limited opportunities for entrepreneurship, investment, employment, and the growth of a 24-hour economy that could help unlock Lamu's economic potential.
The demonstrators also raised concerns over alleged police brutality and recent security incidents in Siyu, calling for justice, accountability, and respect for human rights.
Civil society groups maintained that no institution should be above the law and stressed that adherence to court rulings is fundamental to Kenya's democratic system.
The protesters commended residents for participating peacefully in the demonstrations and vowed to continue advocating for the implementation of the court order.
The Lamu night curfew has been one of the country's longest-running security measures, having been introduced amid heightened security threats along the coast. However, rights groups have repeatedly argued that the restrictions have negatively affected livelihoods, trade, tourism, and freedom of movement.
Friday's demonstrations highlighted growing pressure on authorities to comply with the court ruling and address concerns raised by residents over the curfew's continued enforcement.
The government and security agencies had not publicly responded to the protesters' demands by the time of publication.