Two Human rights lobby groups in Mombasa toady differed over Interior CS Fred Matiang'i's directive to have bars and pubs closed early on Saturday and Sunday due to the census exercise expected to kick off tomorrow.
According to Haki na Usawa Social Justice Centre executive director Salim Suleiman the directive is unconstitutional since it curtails the freedom of movement.
Suleiman charged "We respect this census, but it is wrong to deny people their right of association. Let the enumerators go into the bars and count the people in there,"
He further pointed out that as an organisation they have had a meeting with the officer commanding in charge of Changamwe Police station to discuss the issue and see how residents of Changamwe can go on with their business without being 'Intefered'
"We have had a meeting with the OCS and she promised to cooperate with us during the exercise". said Suleiman
On his part Manyatta Youth Entertainment CBO executive director Nicholas Songora differed with Salim saying Kenyans have to sacrifice for only two days to make the census work more accurate.
"The bars will be closed just for the two days, it's not forever so let us sacrifice for the sake of the exercise" said Sangora.
Matiang’i ordered the closure of all bars countrywide for two days starting Saturday by 5pm for the national census exercise.
Sangora expressed his fear that the enumerators will not be able to get accurate data if people are allowed to go to the bars and drink during the exercise.
"We all know how people behave when they are intoxicated, some will end in ditches, we will not get the accurate data" he noted.
The two were speaking at a media briefing by several human rights groups including Haki Africa, Sisters for justice, Voi social justice centre, Usawa na Uhaki, Mombasa Social Justice centre, Institute for Land Governance (INLAGHR) and the Human Rights Agenda (HURIA).
The groups called on Mombasa residents to turn out in large numbers and be counted.
"We need all residents to show up and be counted" said Naila Abdallah, the executive director for the sisters for justice group.
They further cautioned residents against travelling outside the country during the exercise saying its a great injustice to themselves.
"As civil society we have been in touch with local official including the administration officials who will be working with the census officials all over the region. We have been assured that security will be tight and there will be no need to worry" said Naila
