Unknown attackers raided a village in Lamu County killing two police reservists and leaving another injured, as the situation remained tense.
The gunmen linked to the terrorist group targeted patrolling officers in Ziwa la Taa village, in Lamu County and went on a looting spree after torching a house.
Reports indicated that the attack took place late at night, around 9 pm on Saturday March 23, after the armed assailants ambushed patrolling officers.
Police Reservists Killed
In the ensuing exchange of gunfire, two NPR reservists tragically lost their lives, succumbing to injuries sustained during the confrontation.
Additionally, one officer sustained a gunshot wound to the leg and was promptly transported to Mpeketoni Sub-County Hospital for urgent medical attention.
Eyewitnesses described a harrowing scene of chaos and terror as the attacker’s unleashed violence upon the village, leaving devastation in their wake.
Not only did they target the officers, but they also set ablaze a residential dwelling and a motorcycle before looting food supplies from the community.
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The motive behind attack remains unclear, although authorities suspect a connection to the activities of al-Shabaab militants, whose presence looms large in the region.
The porous Kenya-Somalia border facilitates the movement of extremists, enabling them to launch attacks with impunity before retreating to their strongholds across the border.
Kenya’s efforts to counter the activities of al-Shabaab militants have been hampered by the volatile situation in neighboring Somalia, which has struggled to establish a stable government capable of addressing the root causes of terrorism.
This latest assault adds to a series of attacks that have plagued the area, with some officials attributing the violence to underlying land disputes in the fertile region.
The recurring incidents of violence have resulted in numerous casualties and mass displacements, impeding the region’s socioeconomic development and causing widespread distress among the local populace.
Just a week prior to the Lamu attack, the Ministry of Interior and National Administration expressed deep sorrow over the recent passing of Louis Rono, the County Commissioner for Lamu County, who succumbed to an illness.
Government Interventions
Responding to the incident, the Kenyan government through the Cabinet Secretary of Interior, Prof. Kindiki Kithure, reaffirmed its commitment to combating terrorism and organized crime, prioritizing the safety and security of its citizens.
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“The government is investing significantly in equipping frontline officers with state-of-the-art gear and technology. Over the past six months, a substantial investment of Ksh.7.6 billion has been allocated, with plans for an additional Ksh.29.4 billion over the next three years under the Police Equipment Modernization (PEM) program,” stated Kindiki.
This investment includes the acquisition of advanced equipment such as Armored Personnel Carriers (APCs), Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicles (MRAPs), Armored Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), drones, gunship helicopters, mine sweepers, and personal protection gear.
