US condemns Mpeketoni attack as residents arm themselves, Lenku warns of similar attacks

The attackers also set ablaze properties worth millions of shillings. [PHOTO: STANDARD]

NAIROBI, KENYA: The US government has condemned the attacks in Mpeketoni, Lamu that has now claimed more than 60 lives.

The US State Department termed it a terrorist attack by Al-Shabaab saying there can be no place for horrific acts of violence such as this in any society.

“The United States strongly condemns the Al-Shabaab terrorist attack on the coastal town of Mpeketoni, Kenya overnight that killed dozens of people. We offer our deepest condolences to those that have lost loved ones and to persons injured in the attacks,” said Jen Psaki Department Spokesperson, Office of the Spokesperson.

The statement added the US stands with Kenya and will continue to work in partnership with Kenya to address security in Kenya and in the region in a comprehensive manner that respects human rights.

Gunmen struck Mpeketoni, Kibaoni and Poromoko villages on Sunday and Monday night respectively and shot dead locals, mostly men.

The gang also burnt more than 20 vehicles and destroyed property in the attack. Several houses, a bank, hotels, shops and vehicles were burnt during the shooting that lasted the entire night. Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph Ole Lenku said the attackers who he termed as bandits escaped to Boni Forest after the Sunday attack.

But the attackers struck again on Monday killing nine more people including two police officers in Poromoko area.

Lenku said the Poromoko attackers destroyed Safaricom communication equipment before they undertook the fresh killings.

He added attackers ensured the network was jammed so that locals could not raise alarm.

He said by paralysing communication, the attackers seemed to know what they were doing adding it was an elaborate war.

Angry locals have armed themselves saying they will defend themselves.

Lenku insisted the killings were politically motivated, and they had reliable intelligence that similar attacks might occur in other parts of the country.

Al-Shabaab militant group have already claimed responsibility for the Sunday and Monday night attacks.

Alshabaab has claimed through their radio station-Andalus they carried out the attack Monday night and that they killed 20 people.

This could raise the death toll to more than 80 because police and residents said they were still searching the area.

Other residents said houses were being burnt in Mapenya area.

No arrest has been made.

More state officials are expected in the area on Tuesday to chart the way forward even as Kenyans continued to express their displeasure at the response to the attacks.