A horrifying incident unfolded in the peaceful Nyongoro area of Lamu County when an elected Member of County Assembly (MCA) and his family fell victim to a vicious attack.
According to reports, the MCA was traveling with his family when their vehicle came under siege by the notorious terrorist group Al-Shabāab.
In the wake of the ambush, several family members of the MCA sustained severe injuries.
The specific details of the attack and the current condition of the injured victims were still being investigated as of the time of reporting this incident.
According to a report from Counter Terrorism & Security Intelligence, the extremist group Al-Shabāab al-Mujāhideen carried out the assault, using rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs) and assault rifles.
The MCA’s car was one of three civilian vehicles targeted in the attack. Tragically, the MCA was shot in the leg, while his wife suffered a critical gunshot wound to the head.
As the terrifying attack unfolded, occupants of the other vehicles in the convoy sought safety by taking refuge in the nearby bush until security officers arrived at the scene.
The injured victims were quickly rushed to Witu Level 4 Hospital for urgent medical attention, while the deceased was taken to the morgue.
However, amidst the heartbreak, there was a swift and determined response from the security forces.
The Special Operations Group and forest rangers mobilized promptly to counter the terror group, and a manhunt was launched by the police officers to apprehend the suspects who had fled the scene.
The incident caused a significant disruption in the area, with several vehicles on the route being forced to stop as the police collected vital evidence to aid in their investigation.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki confirmed the devastating incident, revealing that an unknown number of people were still missing. He also disclosed that at least 60 terrorists were present at the scene.
In response, a combined security operation of elite contingents from the National Police Service (NPS) and the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) was actively underway, involving treatment for the injured and a search and rescue mission for any missing civilians.
The Muslims for Human Rights (MUHURI) strongly condemned the attack, expressing their deepest sympathies to the victims and their families.
They decried such cowardly acts of violence against innocent civilians, emphasizing that such actions undermine the principles of peace and unity and pose a grave threat to society.
MUHURI called for a swift and thorough investigation to identify and apprehend the perpetrators responsible for this heinous act.
The organization urged law enforcement agencies to take immediate action to ensure justice is served and emphasized the paramount importance of reinforcing security measures to ensure the safety and protection of all citizens.
The nation mourns with the affected families and stands united against terrorism, pledging to work together to safeguard the peace and security of the region.
