72-Year-Old John Thuo Beheaded by Suspected Al-Shabaab Militants in Lamu County

A shocking and brutal incident occurred on Saturday evening in Marafa and Poromoko villages in Lamu County, where a 72-year-old man was mercilessly beheaded by suspected Al-Shabaab militants. Local administrators, who preferred to remain anonymous, revealed that the heavily-armed assailants launched their attack around 9pm, setting fire to at least 10 houses in the two villages.

In Marafa village, the heartless attackers not only set fire to four houses but also beheaded the defenseless elderly man, identified as John Thuo. The level of cruelty and violence displayed by these militants is truly horrifying.

The assailants then proceeded to the neighboring village of Poromoko, where they continued their reign of terror by setting fire to six houses. In addition to this destruction, they callously slaughtered chicken and stole valuable household items. Shockingly, one of the torched houses belonged to a National Police Reservist, indicating that even those who serve to protect the community are not safe from these ruthless militants.

According to a police report filed on the incident, the attackers also burned a motorcycle and wreaked havoc on a farm by destroying and uprooting maize crops. The report further listed eight individuals whose homes were targeted and set ablaze. The level of devastation caused by these militants is truly appalling.

This tragic incident comes merely three months after a similar attack in Widho-Mashambani, Lamu West, where a gateman at Majembeni Primary School named George was captured and beheaded by these heartless assailants in his own home. During that attack, seven houses were torched, and innocent animals such as chickens and goats were mercilessly slaughtered. The militants then retreated to the safety of Boni Forest, leaving behind a trail of destruction.

Regrettably, Lamu County has been plagued by repeated attacks from suspected Al-Shabaab militants in recent months. Between June and September of this year alone, over 30 lives, including both security officers and innocent civilians, have been tragically lost to these relentless attackers. Furthermore, more than 20 houses and even a church in the county have been torched, leaving local communities in a state of fear and despair.

The villages of Salama, Juhudi, Widho, Mashogoni, Mlima Faru, Pandanguo, Nyongoro, and Lango la Simba in Lamu West have been particularly hard-hit by these violent acts. Additionally, areas such as Bodhei, Sankuri, Baure, and the surrounding regions of Boni Forest in Lamu East Sub-County have also experienced similar attacks, further emphasizing the urgent need for increased security measures in the area.