Ephantus Kiura replaces Leonard Omollo as Lamu police commander

Vehicles at a police sation in Mpeketoni, Lamu County. They were razed down by gunmen who raided the town.

Kenya: A new police commander has been posted to Lamu County where more than 60 people were killed in a terror attack.

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

Inspector General of Police David Kimaiyo made the changes aimed at bolstering security in the area and restore confidence among the locals.

Kimaiyo also promoted seven other officers including the deputy OCS.

“Because of their devotion and commitment, they were able to repulse heavily armed gangs from over running the police station and DO's office thus saving the arms,” said Kimaiyo.

“Their quick action scared away the criminals from continuous attack and destruction of property in the town. The promotions range from constable to Corporals (5), Corporal to Sergeant and Inspector to Chief Inspector who will now be the OCS,” Kimaiyo said.

He said the outgoing OCS will be prosecuted. It is not clear why other members of the local administration were not moved as ordered by the president.

Police had arrested two other suspects in connection with the Mpeketoni incident including the owner and driver of one the vehicles used by attackers.

Ahmed Abdallah, a suspect who is alleged to be the owner of a vehicle said to have been used by the gunmen to perpetrate the attacks was arrested.

Another suspect, Salim Dyana, is alleged to have been the driver of one of the vehicles used in the attacks by the gunmen but he has denied the claims.

Kimaiyo said more suspects including leaders would be interrogated. Sources said the National Intelligence Service had profiled a number of local politicians who are said to have organized the attackers and police were set to summon them for questioning.

Gunmen pounced on Mpeketoni and Kibaoni areas of Lamu County and killed more than 60 people in a harrowing incident that lasted hours. They also torched banks, structures and displaced almost 600 households.

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

More police have been taken to the area to beef up security.