Lamu, Kenya| A sense of fear and uncertainty has gripped residents of Mangai village in Lamu County after over 100 heavily armed Al-Shabaab militants reportedly entered the area on Sunday evening.
According to local sources, the militants gathered villagers, delivered a lecture, and distributed dates (commonly known as tende) before disappearing into the dense Boni Forest.
The incident occurred at approximately 6:30 PM, coinciding with the time when Muslim residents were breaking their fast.
Witnesses reported that the militants, armed with AK-47 rifles and wearing face masks, entered the village in an organized manner.
They allegedly ordered residents to assemble in an open area, where they spoke for about 30 minutes.
Although the exact content of the militants’ lecture remains unclear, such incidents in the past have often involved propaganda messages aimed at intimidating locals, recruiting sympathizers, or discouraging cooperation with security forces.
The distribution of dates, a traditional fruit consumed during Ramadan, is viewed by analysts as a symbolic gesture aimed at gaining the trust or compliance of the community.
Following the unexpected visit, the militants reportedly vanished into the Boni Forest, a well-known hideout for Al-Shabaab operatives due to its dense vegetation and proximity to the Kenya-Somalia border.
Kenyan authorities have since launched investigations into the incident. Security agencies are working to determine the motives behind the militants’ actions and to track their movements.
Lamu County has been a hotspot for Al-Shabaab activities in recent years, with the militant group frequently launching attacks on villages, security installations, and transport routes.
The latest intrusion has raised fresh concerns about the effectiveness of ongoing security operations in the region, particularly in safeguarding vulnerable communities from militant influence.
Residents are now calling on the government to enhance security measures to prevent further incursions and ensure their safety.
Meanwhile, authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to security agencies.
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