Suspected Al-Shabab Gunmen Kill 48 in Kenya
The Red Cross says at least 48 people have died in a coastal town in Kenya after an attack that officials are blaming on the Somali militant group al-Shabab.
Abass Gullet, the head of Kenya Red Cross, told VOA Swahili on Monday that the gunmen wounded others in the attack on Mpeketoni as people were gathered to watch the football World Cup.
“There are unconfirmed number injured, but we are trying to look with the government security forces. But there’s also property that has been destroyed. There are two hotels and two banks and vehicles that have been burned. But other than that I think the attackers have run away,” said Gullet.
Witnesses said the shooting lasted for hours.
The Red Cross said its staffers were going through the town Monday to assess how many homes, vehicles and commercial buildings were burned in the attack.
There has been no immediate claim of responsibility by any group, including al-Shabab. The Islamist group has been behind a number of attacks in Kenya, which has sent troops across the border to help Somalia defeat al-Shabab.