Hunt for injured militia widens

Security officials have launched a massive manhunt for Al Shabaab operatives spotted at the border of Tana River and Lamu counties.

The injured gunmen, said to number about 11, were sighted at Kilelengwani village in Kipini three days after Thursday's attack of two buses at Nyongoro along the Lamu-Garsen road. Authorities blamed the attack on Al Shabaab militants who are active in parts of Lamu County.

Yesterday, Tana River Police Commander Frederic Ochieng said they had received a report that the suspects have been seeking treatment secretly after they were shot by soldiers during the incident at Nyongoro.

Three people were killed when armed attackers struck three buses travelling to Lamu.

Mr Ochieng said the suspects were spotted on Saturday as they attempted to flee to Boni Forest before the matter was reported to Kilelengwani Police Patrol.

Speaking to The Standard, Ochieng said police are pursuing intelligence reports and are confident that the suspects will be arrested soon.

According to police sources, the suspects suffered serious injuries as security officials rescued the passengers.

Tana Delta OCPD Edwin Ogwari said a multi-agency team was pursuing the suspects, who are advancing to Boni Forest.

Meanwhile, police in Madogo, Tana River County, are holding an Ethiopian national found with no valid documents to be in the country. The 24-year-old man, who was arrested at a roadblock at Madogo matatu stage after a tip-off, will be charged for being in the country unlawfully.

In a related move, security has been beefed up in the wake of the Al Shabaab Sunday terror attack at Manda Bay in Lamu County.

A spot check by The Standard revealed heavy presence of armed and plain clothes police officers deployed in major towns of the county like Voi, Taveta, Mwatate and Wundanyi, with vehicles on patrol to assure the local community of their security. 

Police have also stepped up security around the vast Tsavo National Park and government installations like the Standard Gauge Railway.