Lamu, Kenya: Fifty suspects have been arrested in connection with last week's attacks in Lamu and Tana River counties that left 21 people dead and several displaced.
Inspector General of Police David Kimaiyo said the suspects were arrested in a two-day operation mounted by the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) and police. One of the suspects had a wound police believe came from a bullet.
"We have so far apprehended 50 suspects who are connected to the incidents. They will be arraigned in court once investigations are finalised," said Mr Kimaiyo.
He also said a number of leaflets had been dropped in the area yesterday threatening more attacks.
The revelation came as a deadline issued by Deputy President William Ruto, who toured Hindi after the Saturday night attack, lapsed. Mr Ruto on Sunday told police to arrest the culprits dead or alive and within 48 hours.
Yesterday, Kimaiyo said the operation, led by Deputy Inspector General of Administration Police Samuel Arachi, would continue. He did not say what connection the 50 have with the attack or the kind of evidence they have.
KDF joined the operation on Monday.
Kimaiyo spoke as gunmen on Monday night attacked Lamu Conservation Trust, located within Amu Ranch, and caused damage.
Police said the attackers, whose number remains unknown, burnt down offices, stores and a Land Cruiser vehicle in the 10pm incident at Milihoi Camp, located between Mpeketoni and Hindi.
Another group raided the home of a businessman in Mkowe but were repulsed, police said.
Local officials said no injuries were reported but there was a mass exodus of residents amid fears of more attacks. Al-Shabaab militants have claimed responsibility through their radio station in Mogadishu.
Other locals said the gang engaged armed guards at the farm before overpowering them.
So far, more than 80 people have been killed in the area and hundreds displaced in the past month alone. There are tens of IDPs in prisons grounds and police camps.
In the earlier incident, Lamu Governor Issa Timamy was arrested by the State, which applied to detain Mr Timamy for 14 days while investigating him for alleged international crimes that include deportation, mass murder and terrorism.
Timamy had been in Nairobi for a meeting with Ruto before he returned to Lamu where he was summoned for questioning and later detained.
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