Mpeketoni attackers will be hunted down, prosecuted- Govt (KENYA)

Wreckages of burnt cars are seen outside the Mpeketoni police station after unidentified gunmen attacked the coastal Kenyan town of Mpeketoni, June 16, 2014. Photo/REUTERS/Asuu Asuu

Perpetrators of the heinous attack in Mpeketoni will be pursued and prosecuted, the government has said.

According to Interior Security Cabinet Secretary Joseph ole Lenku, the attack could be linked to terrorism but the recent political activities cannot be ignored.

(READ: Mpeketoni attack: Death toll rises to 48)

"The red line has been crossed. We issued a stern warning and those found inciting the public will face the law.

"The government will not let individuals put the lives of Kenyans at risk. Politicians should avoid inciting the public, " he warned.

Speaking during a Press conference at Harambee House, Nairobi on Monday, the CS said security has been beefed up in the country.

"I want to assure the country of the government's commitment to fighting insecurity," he said.

The CS and other security chiefs later left for Lamu to assess the situation after an attack on Sunday night that left 48 people dead, 20 vehicles and several houses, hotels as well as banks burnt down.

Earlier on, an emergency meeting was held at State House, Nairobi to brief Mr Kenyatta on the situation.

On Sunday night, about 50 gunmen chanting Allahu Akbar (God is Great) stormed into Mpeketoni Town and began shooting indiscriminately.

A distress call from local police officers at 9pm was responded to five hours later. (READ: A timeline of the Mpeketoni attack)

Several houses, a bank, hotels, shops and vehicles were burned during the shooting that lasted the entire night.

On Monday morning, police discovered bodies strewn all over the town, some of the victims shot in the head.

The government has been on the spot over recent terror attacks by al-Shabaab but President Kenyatta maintains that Kenyan forces will not pull out from Somalia.

al-Shabaab have also vowed to retaliate with revenge attacks on the country

 

Written By RACHEL OMBAKA

 

Source@DailyNation