As such, the court awarded a compensation package of Sh1.76 billion to 4,734 fishermen as the port project violated the community’s cultural rights. Businesses in Lamu island were on Friday paralysed after hundreds of fishermen joined by Community Based Organisations like Save Lamu, stormed the Kenya Ports Authority offices demanding their money. Lamu Fishermen Association spokesperson Mohamed Somo said they felt cheated, used and coerced by the government into seeking an out-of-court resolution to the matter. “They say they will give us 65 per cent cash and 35 per cent equipment. Save Lamu was among key petitioners in the case where the fishermen were awarded the Sh.1.76 billion by the Malindi High Court.

Source: The Star May 28, 2021 09:56 UTC