Abandoned building burnt in latest attack on Sunday night

An abandoned building has been torched by a gang at Ras Kitau on Manda Island, Lamu County.

The building, constructed three decades ago, has been abandoned for about 20 years.

Police on Monday visited the scene and collected ash and other material for analysis before questioning the workers and neighbours.

Mr Geoffrey Mwagandi, a worker, said he heard a huge explosion on Sunday night. It was accompanied by a fire, which damaged the property. This was after the World Cup final match between Germany and Argentina.

The building is owned by an Italian investor.

SAW A HUGE FIRE

“I heard a bang shortly after getting into our house. When I rushed out, I saw a huge fire engulfing the main building,” said Mr Mwagandi.

Mr Julius Fondo, another worker, told the Nation that he heard dogs barking and saw a group of men walking towards the gate. They then set the building on fire and ran away.

“I was gripped with fear because I thought they were armed. I rushed towards my neighbour’s house but on looking back I saw them torch the building,” said Mr Fondo.

Lamu West police boss Amos Cheboi said investigations had begun. The incident was not a terror attack, he added.

“This is the work of arsonists taking advantage of the current situation to cause problems,” said Mr Cheboi.

Security officers on Monday combed the area, searching for the criminals.

Lamu County has witnessed several attacks in the past month, with the most recent raid taking place at Jima Farm on Sunday. Gunmen on foot shot in the air before looting homes and harvesting green maize from a farm.

The attacks in the county started on the night of June 15 and 16, when gunmen raided Mpeketoni town and killed 60 people. They also burnt property, including vehicles and a police station.

Subsequent attacks in other areas within the county have led to more deaths and displacement of residents.