Kenya: Four killed in bus attack near Somalian borders January 2

Event

According to government officials, at least four people were killed and several wounded in Al-Shabab attack near Kenya's southeastern border with Somalia on Thursday, January 2. The bus was traveling from the coastal region of Lamu to the town of Malindi when gunmen ambushed the bus and opened fire. Police quickly arrived on the scene to confront the attackers.

Similar attacks are possible in regions bordering Somalia over the near term.

Context

Attacks along the Kenya-Somalia border by Al Shabaab militants are common, notably targeting security forces with roadside bombs.

Advice

Individuals in Lamu county are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid the area of the incident, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities and their home governments.

Due to various security concerns, many Western governments advise against travel to a number of regions in the country, including areas bordering Somalia (parts of Garissa, Mandera, Wajir, and Lamu counties), Ethiopia, and South Sudan. Nonessential travel to the city of Mombasa and several Nairobi neighborhoods (including Eastleigh and Pangani) is also advised against.