Three KDF soldiers injured in shootout with Al-Shabaab in Lamu

A map of Ishakani, Lamu County, where three KDF soldiers were injured in a shootout with the Al-Shabaab terrorists on December 6, 2015. GRAPHIC | GOOGLE MAPS

What you need to know:

  • The soldiers were on patrol when the incident happened.
  • The KDF has been carrying out Operation Linda Boni in Boni Forest.

Three Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) soldiers were on Sunday evening injured in a shootout with suspected Al-Shabaab militants in Ishakani, Lamu East Sub-County.

KDF spokesman Colonel David Obonyo told the Nation by phone that the soldiers were on patrol when the incident happened.

He dismissed earlier reports that the three had been killed in the attack.

“It is not true that three KDF (soldiers) were killed. Three KDF soldiers were injured, one of them critically in an Improvised Explosive Device attack and (they) were evacuated to Nairobi for medical attention,” said Col Obonyo.

Lamu County Coordinating Police Commander Chrispus Mutali said police were on high alert after the incident to ensure the safety of locals.

He urged the public to volunteer information to the police that will assist in arresting criminals in the region.

“We are alert to ensure Lamu is safe. We have enhanced security patrols in the entire county and residents should not be worried,” said Mr Mutali.

The KDF has been carrying out Operation Linda Boniin Boni Forest, which is aimed at flushing out Al-Shabaab militants said to be hiding in the forest and has been going on for four months.

The Sunday attack comes a week after Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph Nkaissery toured Lamu accompanied by Chief of Defence Forces Samson Mwathethe, Inspector-General of Police Joseph Boinnet, Coast Regional Commissioner Samuel Kilele and Linda Boni Director of Operation James ole Serian.