Police are hunting for Al-Shabaab militants who killed five civilians at Omolo Bridge in Bargoni, Lamu County on Monday morning.
Lamu County Police Commander Chrispus Mutali said the joint operation by the Kenya Police and the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) is targeting Boni Forest, where the militants are believed to be hiding.
“We have already launched an operation in the entire Bargoni, particularly to areas stretching towards the Boni Forest. After the Monday morning attack, the Al-Shabaab ran into the vast Boni Forest,” said Mr Mutali.
Mr Mutali appealed to the public to report any person seeking treatment for gunshot wounds, as some militants were injured in the attack.
He said Al-Shabaab terrorists hurled a petrol bomb at the vehicle after it hit the explosive device. An exchange of fire ensued. The vehicle had six officers and eight civilians.
Five people— two men, two women and a baby — died in the attack
Three injured people, including two police officers, were taken to King Fahd Hospital in Lamu. Also at the hospital was a woman with serious bullet injuries.
Lamu leaders on Tuesday asked the government to increase the number of KDF and General Service Unit officers in the county.
Deputy Governor Eric Mugo, Lamu West MP Julius Ndegwa, Mkunumbi Ward Representative Paul Kimani and Witu Ward Representative Athman Amin said more police posts were needed in the county.
Mr Ndegwa called for the establishment of a KDF camp at Pandanguo and another one at Bargoni.
