Suspected Al-Shabaab Militants Raid Kenyan Village, Preach to Residents

GOOBJOOG NEWS | LAMU: More than 50 suspected Al-Shabaab militants stormed Mangai village in Boni Forest, Lamu County, Kenya, delivering radicalized teachings to locals for about 30 minutes before fleeing into the dense forest.

According to a police report, the militants also distributed date fruits to residents following the lecture. The raid occurred around 6 p.m. on Saturday, as many locals—predominantly Muslims—were preparing for evening prayers and breaking their fast.

An area administrator alerted security forces at the Mangai Border Patrol Unit (BPU) camp about the ambush.

The report indicates that approximately 150 militants initially approached the security camp before splitting into two groups—one monitoring the BPU camp while the other searched the village for area chiefs and National Police Reservists (NPR) officers. No casualties were reported, but the situation remains tense.

Lamu County Commissioner Wesley Koech confirmed the incident, stating that security in the area has been reinforced and that authorities are actively pursuing the militants.

“There were no casualties in the raid. The attackers preached to residents, distributed dates, and then left. Security forces are monitoring the situation, and there is no cause for alarm,” Koech said.

Lamu County has experienced frequent terrorist attacks in recent years, resulting in civilian and security personnel casualties.

Authorities continue to urge residents to cooperate with security forces, including the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) and other agencies, in efforts to combat militant activities.