KDF soldiers patrol Lamu's Boni forest. [Photo/ intelligencebriefs.com]
Barely a week after President Uhuru Kenyatta issued a shoot to kill directive following increased attacks by suspected Al-Shaabab terrorists in Lamu, the head of Operation Linda Boni has been replaced.
James Ole Serian who has been moved to Harambee House awaiting redeployment has been replaced by Lamu County Commissioner Joseph Kanyiri. The changes are expected to be implemented with immediate effect. A source quoted by the Nation said the changes might have been informed by the increased terrorist attacks in Lamu.Serian’s replacement comes after President Uhuru Kenyatta appointed Education Cabinet Fred Matiang’i as acting Interior CS following the sudden death of Joseph Nkaissery. Last week, nine residents of Jima Village were killed by suspected Al-Shabaab terrorists. Three people were killed on Thursday, last week while several others including Public Works Principal Secretary Mariam El Maawy sustained injuries after they were ambushed and kidnapped by the militia. The militia group is reported to have attempted to attack the Mokowe General Service Unit (GSU) in Lamu on Monday, before they were repulsed. Operation Linda Boni was launched in 2015 to flash out Al-Shabaab terrorists from the forest following incessant attacks.