Lamu,KENYA:Lamu town residents were on Friday treated to free clothes from traders who decided to treat Muslim faithful in the town for Idd.
Hundreds thronged the Mkunguni Square where received the bagfuls of clothes from the traders.
This is the first time for traders in the town to gift their customers with free clothes during such celebrations.
Mahenzo Kalu,a trader says the Ramadhan period has been a fruitful one for many of them who reaped huge profits.
Kalu says their decision to gift their customers with free clothes is inspired by the need to show gratitude and love to their customers and the Mulsim faithful most especially the poor and those who can’t afford to buy such items.
Since the start of this week,traders have reaped immensely from the high number of buyers who have thronged their markets and stalls to buy wares for Idd celebrations.
“We decided to do that in the spirit of love and kindness but most of all for gratitude.We are grateful for the sales we made,”said Kalu.
The biggest reapers include cosmetic shop owners, public buses, boat operators and retailers of various household goods.
Meanwhile security has been beefed up in Lamu in the height of the celebrations.
Speaking in his office on Friday,Lamu county commander Muchangi Kioi said patrols on the Lamu-Garsen highway had particularly been intensified as hundreds travel in and out of the county to join friends and family for Idd.
Kioi said adequate security measures had also been taken to guard all border villages and areas on the Lamu-Somalia border to stop any funny elements from crossing over into the county to cause trouble during the celebrations.
The commander said an additional security officers had also been deployed to all the five jetties and entry points to Lamu old town which is the main muslim hub and also a tourist attraction.
The jetties are the Mokowe Customs Jetty, the Manda Airport Jetty, Lamu Mangrove Customs Jetty, the KPA Jetty and a smaller Jetty at Shella.
Kioi said security at the Manda airport had also been boosted as more continue to fly in and out for the celebrations.
There will also be a 24 hour security surveillance on all mosques and public places that will be frequented by the faithful during Idd.
“We are good to go.We have taken all the necessary measures and can assure all that all is well in as far as security is concerned.The county is literally sealed out well.We have enough officers in all the required places.Peopel should rest assured that they are safe,”said Kioi.
Kioi has however appealed for vigilance from members of the public who are required to look out for any suspicious activity of persons and promptly report it to the police for swift action.
He has also Imams and other Muslim religious leaders to keep a keen eye on their flock and raise alarm of any unusual persons in their midst.
Hotel and restaurant owners have been asked to pay attention to every detail of those who frequent their premises.
“Everyone has a part to play here.We have coordinated with tourist police also to ensure things progress well.Be on the lookout all of you,”said Kioi.
