By Miraj Guo and Dorish Moraa, June 16, 2026
Pressure is mounting on the government to implement a court ruling concerning the long-running Lamu curfew, with community leaders and human rights activists issuing a seven-day ultimatum demanding the reopening of the main Lamu road.
Speaking during a press briefing in Mombasa, leaders led by Sultan Omar Sharif expressed concern over what they termed as the government’s failure to comply with a court order directing authorities to lift restrictions and reopen the key transport corridor that has remained affected by security measures for nearly a decade.
Sultan Sharif said the continued delay in implementing the court’s decision undermines the rule of law and continues to negatively affect the livelihoods of residents who depend on the road for transport, trade and access to essential services.
“The implementation of court orders is a constitutional obligation. The continued closure of the road despite the court ruling is unacceptable and has caused immense suffering to the people of Lamu,” said Sultan Sharif.
He maintained that respect for judicial decisions is not optional and warned that failure by state agencies to comply with the ruling could erode public confidence in government institutions and the justice system.
The leaders announced that the government has been given seven days to enforce the court order and reopen the road. They warned that should authorities fail to act within the stipulated period, they would pursue further action to ensure the ruling is implemented.
The call was supported by human rights activists led by Vocal Africa Executive Director Hussein Khalid, who accused security agencies of disregarding the court’s decision by failing to facilitate the reopening of the road.
Khalid emphasized that the government has a legal and constitutional duty to respect court decisions and uphold the rule of law. He urged citizens to continue seeking justice through peaceful and lawful means while demanding accountability from public institutions.
“We want to see court orders respected and the main Lamu road reopened for the benefit of all residents,” the leaders said.
According to the leaders, the prolonged restrictions have had far-reaching consequences on the region’s economy, disrupting business activities, transport, education and access to critical services. They argued that residents have endured years of hardship and deserve to enjoy the benefits of the court’s decision without further delay.
The leaders and human rights activists further revealed that plans are underway to organize peaceful demonstrations if the government fails to comply with the court ruling within the seven-day deadline.
The developments have intensified pressure on the government, with residents and stakeholders closely watching how authorities will respond. The dispute has reignited debate over the impact of the Lamu curfew on economic development, freedom of movement and the government’s obligation to uphold court orders and constitutional principles.
