LAMU, County—Human rights organisations have demanded the immediate removal of security barriers and travel restrictions along the Lamu road following a High Court ruling suspending the measures that have been in place for nearly 11 years.
The lobby groups, including Muslims for Human Rights (MUHURI), Vocal Africa and She Rises, said the prolonged restrictions had crippled transport, trade and economic activities in Lamu despite improved security in the region.
Addressing journalists in Mombasa on Sunday, MUHURI Executive Director Khelef Khalifa warned that the organisations would return to court and file contempt proceedings if the government fails to fully implement the orders issued by the Garsen High Court.
“We expect the court orders to be respected and implemented immediately,” Khalifa said. “Lamu residents deserve freedom of movement and economic dignity like all other Kenyans.”
The remarks follow conservatory orders issued by Justice Jesse Nyagah on May 21, 2026, suspending the enforcement of curfews, night travel restrictions and security barriers imposed under the Public Order (Curfew) (Lamu, Garissa and Tana River Counties) Order of 2017.
The petition before the Garsen High Court was filed by Bubakar Mohamed Twalib alongside 22 other petitioners against the Interior Ministry, the Inspector General of Police and other state agencies.
In the ruling, the court suspended the continued enforcement of restrictions affecting several routes and checkpoints within Lamu County pending hearing and determination of the constitutional petition.
The order also carried a penal notice warning that any party disobeying the directive risked contempt of court proceedings punishable by imprisonment or attachment of property.
The barriers and movement restrictions were introduced during heightened Al-Shabaab attacks in Lamu and neighbouring counties at the height of insecurity along the Coast region.
However, rights groups now argue that the security situation has significantly improved and the continued restrictions are hurting ordinary residents, transport operators and businesses.
She Rises Executive Director Salma Hemed said local communities had endured years of economic hardship due to the prolonged measures.
“People have suffered for many years because of these restrictions. Businesses, transport and livelihoods have all been affected,” Hemed said.
The activists further accused authorities of delaying implementation of the court orders and called for the immediate dismantling of all remaining road barriers.
They maintained that while security remains important, the government must balance national security measures with constitutional freedoms and economic rights.
The matter is expected to return to court for further directions as pressure mounts on the government to fully comply with the High Court orders.
