KDF troops escape bomb attack

Kenya Defence Forces soldiers escaped death narrowly after a lorry they had boarded almost ran over an improvised explosive device (IED).

The device is believed to have been planted by Al-Shabaab terrorists.

The soldiers were from the Baure military camp and were heading to Hindi when the incident happened at Milimani in Lamu East.

The explosive is said to have gone off just as they were about to pass the spot at around 2pm on Sunday.

Police sources who spoke to the Nation on condition of anonymity said an exchange of fire between the soldiers and the terrorists ensued and lasted for more than 20 minutes before the latter were overpowered and fled into the expansive Boni forest.

No injuries were reported during the fierce fight and the military vehicle was also not damaged.

“The IED had been planted in the middle of the road. It exploded just as the lorry pulled up next to the scene. Suspected Al-Shabaab terrorists then tried to attack the soldiers but our officers were able to respond quickly. The suspects disappeared deep into the forest,” said the officer.

KDF spokesperson David Obonyo dismissed the reports of fire exchange. “Those reports are not true,” he said.

On Sunday morning, security was tightened in Milimani village after police were tipped off about the possible presence of the terrorists.

Lamu County AP Commander Abdullahi Adan said police received information from the public that a group of people suspected to be Al-Shabaab was sighted in the area at around 9.30am.

A chopper full of troops was immediately deployed to the area to assess the situation.

Mr Adan said a search that lasted for several hours was mounted in the area but no one was found.

He said the troops and police were, however, still pursuing all available leads in order to ascertain the reports.