Deadly Raid in Lamu County Leaves One Dead and Houses Burnt

Marafa and Poromoko villages in Lamu County were targeted in a violent raid on Saturday evening, resulting in the death of one person and the destruction of multiple houses. The armed assailants, suspected to be members of the al Shabaab militant group, set fire to several houses, causing panic and fear in the area. Law enforcement agencies have launched a manhunt to apprehend the attackers who managed to escape the scene.

Details of the Attack

Local authorities have identified the victim as 72-year-old John Thuo, who was beheaded during the attack in Marafa village. In addition to this brutal act, the assailants also torched four houses in the same village. Afterward, they proceeded to the neighboring village of Poromoko where they set fire to an additional six houses. The attackers further displayed their destructive tendencies by slaughtering chickens and stealing household items, including those from the residence of a National Police Reservist.

A Troubling Pattern

This incident comes after a three-month lull in similar attacks in Lamu County. The last incident occurred in Widho-Mashambani in Lamu West, resulting in the death of a gateman at Majembeni Primary School. During that attack, seven houses were torched, and livestock was slaughtered before the attackers retreated to the Boni Forest.

Recent months have seen a surge in attacks by Somali-based militants in Lamu County. Statistics reveal that between June and September of this year alone, more than 40 people, including security officers and civilians, have lost their lives due to these attacks. Furthermore, over 20 houses and a church have been torched, leading to numerous displacements.

The Kenya-Somalia Border Challenge

The targeted areas in Lamu County are situated near the Kenya-Somalia border, providing easy access for the terrorists to cross over and carry out their attacks before swiftly retreating. The porous border has become a major concern for authorities, as it facilitates the movement and operations of these militants.

Enhanced Security Measures

In response to the escalating attacks, the local police force has intensified operations in the area to counter the plans of the attackers. In October, the police released the names and photographs of 35 individuals believed to be associated with the al-Shabaab terrorist group. These individuals are suspected of involvement in the placement of explosive devices, civilian murders, and the 2020 attack on the American military base at Manda.

The public has been urged to provide any information regarding the whereabouts of these individuals, with the promise of an undisclosed financial reward for valuable leads.