Charles Lwanga

Four suspects have been arrested over Monday’s attack in Lamu where six people were killed in an attack linked to Al Shabaab militants.

Police Spokesman Bruno Shioso said they are also investigating to establish if the attack is linked to a land dispute disguised in terror attack to target non-locals. 

“There are four suspects in custody over the attack,” said Shioso, adding that “investigations have shown the attack is linked to local land disputes.”

He said there was another attack in Hindi area where one person was killed on Monday night.

Locals say the assailants attacked the home of John Munji Gichoya, 62, at Bobo, tied his hands and legs, tortured and beheaded him before setting his house ablaze. 

The attackers are reported to have also torched several houses in the village before fleeing to the nearby fores.

The latest attack comes barely a day after six people were killed in a similar manner on Sunday evening.

Lamu County Commissioner Irungu Macharia says the security agents have increased patrols and are working to arrest those involved in the attacks that have created fear among residents living in Lamu’s mainland area.

“The national government will not allow criminals to gain a foothold in the county, especially with the great strides we have made so far to ensure that Lamu County is once again safe for investment,” said Macharia.

Meanwhile, the government has launched a major multi-agency security operation within Boni forest, Mangulo, Taksile and Eldheere areas to flush out the Al Shabaab militants. 

Hindi area MCA Anab Mohammed reaffirmed that local leaders were behind the government’s bid to stamp out terrorism.

Lamu County Governor Fahim Twaha condemned those responsible for the “atrocities committed against innocent people”.

“It is our hope that the criminals will be apprehended soon. We are certain they will face God’s justice in this world and in the hereafter,” he said.