Al-Shabaab militants launched an attack on Mangai village in Lamu County.
According to Lamu County Commissioner Wesley Koech, the militants lectured the villagers and distributed dates before retreating to an unknown location.
Thankfully, no injuries were reported during the incident.
Koech confirmed that the group involved in the attack consisted of more than 100 heavily armed suspected Al-Shabaab fighters.
He assured the public that the government has deployed additional security forces to Mangai to track down the terrorists and enhance safety in the region.
“We are aware that criminal gangs might try to exploit the period of Ramadan to stir up division,” Koech said. “But we remain on high alert, and there is no cause for alarm.”
He urged residents to report any suspicious activities to the authorities, emphasizing that the militants’ distribution of dates in the name of Islam was an attempt to manipulate the local community.
“These are criminals, and people should report them as soon as they spot them,” he added.
In a separate incident, on February 3, gunmen believed to be affiliated with Al-Shabaab abducted five chiefs in Elwak, Mandera, as they prepared for President William Ruto’s visit.
On March 12, Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo confirmed that discussions are ongoing between Kenya and Somalia to secure the safe return of the chiefs.
“There is much happening behind the scenes that we may not discuss publicly.
We are in close consultation with our neighboring country, and elders from both sides of the border are involved to ensure the chiefs are safely returned,” Omollo said.
President Ruto has pledged to ensure the safe return of the chiefs, asserting that the abductions were meant to intimidate him and deter his visit to the region.
He also vowed that his administration would not allow criminals to disrupt peace or hinder development in the area.
