UPDATE: 7:00 p.m.: Authorities at the Coast say that four suspected Al-Shabaab militants involved in the attack on the passenger bus have been neutralised, with one being captured alive by the Kenya Defence forces, NTV reports.
A bus plying the Mombasa- Lamu route was on Thursday, January 2, reported to have been hijacked along Nyongoro area of Lamu County.
Sources indicated that a bus belonging to Mombasa Raha company, which is registered under the number plates KCH 141Z, was attacked by armed gunmen.
The gunmen are said to have sprayed bullets on the right front wheel and other bullets on both sides of the bus body, leading to the death of three people.
While speaking to Daily Nation, Lamu County Commissioner Irungu Macharia confirmed the incident, citing that he had heard of such an incident.
"I have heard of such an incident but I am headed to the scene...I am also liaising with officers on the ground. Details on injuries, casualties or the bus company are yet to be established but I'll give details soonest," he stated.
Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke, a representative from the Mombasa Raha Bus company informed us that contrary to speculations on social media, the bus had not been hijacked but rather the attackers had shot at the tyres bringing it to a halt.
"We are in contact with our crew who told us that the attackers shot at the bus tyres to stop it. Passengers were able to disembark and board another bus at the scene. We are yet to get comprehensive information about the incident," the company rep explained.
The incident comes barely a month after, a vehicle belonging to Medina Bus Company was attacked by gunmen in Kotulo area of Wajir County.
The bus was attacked in a stretch between the towns of Wajir and Mandera.
At least 10 people are reported to have lost their lives during the incident.
