Tensions are running high in Mangai, a village located within Boni Forest in Lamu County, following a raid by more than 100 heavily armed Al-Shabaab militants. The militants, who stormed the village over the weekend, spent about 30 minutes preaching radicalized ideology to the locals, further heightening security concerns in the region.
In response to the attack, security agencies were quickly deployed to the area on Sunday, and heightened vigilance has been maintained ever since. Authorities are on high alert as they continue to monitor the situation.
Local witnesses said the militants arrived in groups, some wearing military attire to appear more imposing. They ordered the villagers to gather in one corner of the village before identifying themselves as members of the notorious Al-Shabaab militia group. The attack took place around 6 p.m., just as the villagers were preparing for their evening prayers.
According to a police report, the incident happened at around 6 pm.
“… as the locals were getting ready for evening prayers, approximately 150 Al-Shabaab operatives raided Mangai village, located about 80 kilometers southwest of the police station. They first targeted the Border Patrol Unit (BPU) Mangai camp before splitting into two groups. One group stayed behind to monitor the BPU camp, while the other entered the village. They specifically sought out the area chiefs and National Police Reservists (NPR) officers from the locality,” a report on the incident stated. “After briefly lecturing the villagers on their radical views, the militants distributed dates fruits to the locals before leaving the area for an unknown destination,” read the police report.
Fortunately, no casualties were reported during the raid, but the incident has left the area on edge. Authorities have yet to release further details, but the situation remains tense as security forces continue to monitor the region.
Lamu County Commissioner Wesley Koech confirmed the incident and assured that appropriate measures are being taken to ensure the safety of residents.
