Mpeketoni attack not work of Al Shabaab, says President Uhuru Kenyatta

President Uhuru Kenyatta

Nairobi, Kenya: President Uhuru Kenyatta Tuesday refuted claims that Mpeketani attack that has left over 50 people dead was carried out by Al shabaab. The President boldly said the attack was politically instigated.

“The attack in Lamu was well planned, orchestrated, and politically motivated ethnic violence against a Kenyan community, with the intention of profiling and evicting them for political reasons. This therefore, was not an Al Shabaab terrorist attack,” said Uhuru.

Addressing the nation from State House Nairobi, Uhuru warned politicians against inciteful statements that divide the country.

"The heightened political environment being experienced in the country where politicians have incited people will not be allowed as the government will not sit back and watch the country go through ethnic conflict again," said the president.

The president's message was not different from the one by Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph Ole Lenku that stated that the government was not ruling out political involvement in the deadly attacks.

Uhuru futher said the Government will  meet funeral expenses of those who died and will ensure those injured get proper treatment.  He added that the government will help residents who lost property to rebuild their lives.

He assured Kenyans that security has been enhanced in Lamu and other parts of the country adding that security agencies are on high alert.