Death toll rises to 11 in fresh attacks in Witu, Lamu County

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Lamu, Kenya: The death toll in Lamu fresh attacks rises to 11 after more bodies were discovered. Unknown assailants attacked Pandanguo village in Witu on Monday night.

The incident happened about 30 kilometers away from Mpeketoni where more than 60 people were killed last week.

Police said those killed were from different communities. One survivor is in hospital with deep wounds. The village is dominated by small-scale farmers from diverse backgrounds.

Tension remained high in the area even as more police were sent to beef up security.

Police boss David Kimaiyo said they are yet to know the motive of the attack but officers were on the ground pursuing the attackers.

“We are informed a number of armed bandits raided the village and killed at least five people. We are on the ground and more information will be issued later,” said Kimaiyo.

Last week, a gang raided Mpeketoni and Kibaoni and shot dead more than 60 people at close range before fleeing.

President Uhuru Kenyatta blamed the attacks on ‘local political networks’ despite Al-shabaab claiming responsibility.

The military later claimed it had killed five of the attackers in Tana River area but locals have since said the deceased were herders who were mistaken as bandits.

There are many theories being fronted as the cause of the Mpeketoni incident including terrorism by Kenyan terror cells, land and tribal fallout.

Many pundits believe land is the main reason for the attacks.

A new police commander has been posted to Lamu County after Mpeketoni massacre.

Ephantus Kiura will replace Leonard Omollo who was moved to Vigilance House while Mr Njenga Miiri will replace Mr Rashid Yakub of Administration Police.

Senior security officials led by Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph ole Lenku visited the scene and camped there for almost a week in a bid to address fears and threats.