In a daring retaliatory operation, Kenyan Defense Forces (KDF) successfully neutralized all 60 terrorists responsible for the tragic attack in Lamu on Tuesday.
The attack claimed the lives of two Kenyan citizens and left several others injured. However, the swift and resolute response by the Kenyan government ensured that the terrorists responsible were eliminated.
Interior Cabinet Secretary, Kithure Kindiki, while addressing the Senate Committee on Education, assuring the nation that the response to the attack was prompt and effective in an operation that spanned over a day.
He further added that the government was committed to safeguarding its citizens and neutralizing terror threats in the region.
Kindiki stated, “As we speak, we had an attack yesterday at the intersection of Lamu and Tana River where the public was attacked by over 60 armed terrorists in different groups, and the target was to harm more people.”
“The terror group aimed to attack travelers in buses along the Lamu-Witu Garsen Highway. However, thanks to the presence of the vigilant Special Operations Group, the attackers were confronted and dealt with swiftly,” Kindiki added.
The Cabinet Secretary also emphasized the collaborative efforts between various agencies to combat terror groups, specifically Al-Shabaab. He revealed that the government has successfully neutralized thousands of terrorists in the past. However, many of these operations go unreported due to their sensitive nature.
During the Lamu attack, none of the officers were harmed, showcasing the professionalism and dedication of the security forces. The CS commended their immediate response and valor in the face of danger.
However, Kindiki highlighted an ongoing concern – that some Kenyans continue to harbor and support terrorists. The collaborators, he added were providing the terrorists with food and shelter. Addressing this issue remains crucial in the fight against terrorism, he said.
The devastating attack on August 1 resulted in the loss of two lives, including the wife of Hindi MCA Kariuki Njagaa. At least 10 other people sustained injuries.
Some victims sought refuge in the Boni Forest, prompting the deployment of a combined security operation involving elite contingents of the National Police Service (NPS) and the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) to address the situation.
