CS Kindiki Reacts To Killing Of Politician's Wife In Al-Shabaab Attack

Interior Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kithure Kindiki on Tuesday, August 1 issued an update regarding a terror attack in Lamu County that led to the death of two people, including reportedly, Hindi Member of County Assembly (MCA) Kariuki Njagaa's wife.

In a statement, the CS revealed that the attack that took place at 7.40 am saw the suspected terrorists attack travellers along the Lamu-Witu- Garsen Highway, at Lango la Simba.

"One (1) person was killed, approximately ten (10) others injured, while a yet-to-be-determined number are missing.

"Security personnel from the Nyangoro Forward Operating Base (FOB) who were conducting clearance patrols along the highway responded rapidly and an engagement with the approximately sixty (60) terrorists ensued, scattering them into the Boni Forest," read the statement in part.

Furthermore, two victims of the attack had life-threatening injuries, as a result of which, one succumbed while being evacuated for emergency Intensive Care Unit (ICU) treatment, bringing the total deaths to two.

The CS resultantly revealed that a combined security operation of elite officers from the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) and the National Police Service (NPS) was deployed to the area.

“A combined security operation of elite contingents of the National Police Service (NPS) and the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) is currently underway, treatment of the injured as well as the search and rescue of missing civilians is ongoing,” he added.

According to reports, the MCA was travelling with his family when their vehicle came under attack. Following the ambush, several of the MCA's family members sustained injuries.

"Al-Shabāab al-Mujāhideen Terrorists attacked three civilians vehicles including one belonging to Hindi area MCA using RPGs & assault rifles," read a report from Counter Terrorism & Security Intelligence.

Reports indicated that the MCA was shot in the leg while his wife suffered a gunshot wound to the head during the attack. The assailants had targeted their car which was among several other vehicles attacked by the group.

During the attack, occupants of the different cars in the convoy sought safety in the nearby bush prior to the arrival of security officers.

The victims were promptly rushed to Witu Level 4 Hospital for treatment, while the deceased was transported to the morgue.

The Muslims for Human Rights (MUHURI) while condemning the attack called for a prompt response as well as investigations to crack down on the culprits.

"We strongly condemn this cowardly act of violence and extend our deepest sympathies to the victims and their families. Such heinous acts targeting innocent civilians not only undermine the principles of peace and unity but also threaten the fabric of our society,"

"MUHURI calls for a swift and thorough investigation to identify and apprehend the perpetrators of this attack. We urge law enforcement agencies to take immediate action and bring the culprits to justice. It is essential to reinforce the importance of security and ensure that every citizen feels protected and safe, "read part of a statement dated Tuesday, August 1.

Al Shabaab soldiers in training. /AL JAZEERA