LAMU, KENYA: Police have confirmed
at least 48 people dead in
Mpeketoni, Lamu County following
an attack by gunmen last night and
warned the toll could rise.
Other witnesses say there are more
than 30 people who died in the
attack by gunmen believed to be Al-
shabaab from Somalia.
Inspector General of Police David
Kimaiyo said among those confirmed
dead so far is a police driver. The
deceased officer was a driver to
Lamu County commander.
“We are going there to witness but
the situation is not good for now.
The toll could be more than the 48
bodies that we have collected,” said
Kimaiyo on phone.
Mpeketoni town is about 40
kilometres inland in Lamu County
and the attack was not a surprise.
Police have been mobilised to collect
the bodies and police boss David
Kimaiyo says there were about 50
gunmen who struck the town with
explosives and guns attacking two
hotels, a bank, police station and
other structures.
"They came in as passengers in the
quiet town. No arrests have been
made," Kimaiyo said adding that
police still collecting bodies. Britain
had closed its consulate in Mombasa
on Friday over terror fears.
"We are yet to know if they were Al-
Shabaab militants but so far we
have 48 bodies including a police
officer. Our officers on the ground
are collecting more which indicates
the toll could rise," said Kimaiyo.
Mpeketoni is now like a ghost town
as many residents are missing and
there is more gunfire being
witnessed. Witnesses said many
people were held hostage for hours
in the attack that started at about 8
pm and ran for almost four hours.
The area is a tourist hub and the
attack is a blow in the already
struggling sector.
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