Attacks in Southeast Kenya

In southeastern Kenya, a group of fighters, believed to be al-Shabaab, attacked locations in the town of Mpeketoni on June 15, killing at least 48 people and burning buildings and cars. Possibly as many as 50 gunmen targeted hotels, restaurants, banks, government buildings and a police station in the town, which is near Lamu Island, a popular resort.

On June 16, attacks in nearby towns resulted in the deaths of 15 people and the kidnapping of at least 12 women.

President Uhuru Kenyatta blamed local politics for the violence, pointing out that the Kikuyu ethnic group was specifically targeted. In connection with the attack, the governor of Lamu County, the location of Mpeketoni, was arrested on June 25 along with 13 alleged separatists. 

In light of recently heightened threats of terrorism, the US Department of State warns of the risks of traveling to Kenya. Due to the Mpeketoni attack, the US Embassy restricted travel by its personnel in all coastal counties and the coastal portion only of Tana River County.