Security agencies in Lamu at the Kenyan coast repulsed a group of about 50 heavily armed suspected al-Shabaab militants who attempted to attack Pandanguo Village in Witu Division.

The gun battle which lasted for about five hours started at around 10.30pm Saturday.

According to local daily, Daily Nation, a farmer reported the matter to village headman and he in turn sent some police reservists to the scene.

A fire exchange ensued between the reservists and the terrorists.

A few minutes later, GSU and KDF officers manning the area responded.

"A serious gun fight between the KDF, GSU and NPR against the militants went on from 10.30pm until 3am when the militants were repulsed. They, however, managed to harvest almost all the maize in the one acre farm before they fled deep into the dense Boni Forest." said Mr Golja.

Lamu County Commissioner Irungu Macharia confirmed the gunfight in Pandanguo but said that the situation had been contained.

"Yes. It's true. There were gunshots in Pandanguo Village overnight. NPR officers in the village claimed to have spotted suspicious people in a nearby bush, forcing them to shoot randomly. KDF and GSU responded immediately and combed the area. Nothing was spotted. So far the area is cool and there is no need for alarm. I urge Pandanguo residents not to vacate their village since their security is guaranteed." said Mr Macharia.

The county commissioner appealed to residents of Pandanguo and Lamu as a whole to be vigilant and report any suspicious people or incidents for prompt action.

There have been various cases of al-Shabaab militants being spotted in the area in the past.

Meanwhile, in the capital Nairobi, officers from the Anti-Terror Police Unit have arrested five suspects as they did surveillance at a local pub along Kiambu Road.

Source(s): The East African