The Kenya Tourism Board today confirmed that Lamu Island, one of the country’s primary tourist resorts, was unaffected by a deadly attack by armed gunmen.
Latest reports suggest that at least 48 people were killed by suspected Islamist militants in gun battles that went on for several hours.
The KTB stressed that Lamu Island was “in no way” affected by the attack on Mpeketoni township, a farming community in Lamu County, and neither is any other part of the Kenya coast.
“The majority of visitors travelling to Lamu arrive by air into the local airport,” the tourism board said, pointing out that the assault took place 54 kilometres south of Lamu Island by road.
“KTB is able to confirm that Mpeketoni has no international tourist facilities and is not an area frequented by international visitors. There were no tourists in the area at the time of the incident,” a statement said.
“The raiders are believed to have attacked a police station and various business premises in the area. The number of casualties is yet to be confirmed. KTB would like to extend their sincere condolences to those affected by this incident at this difficult time.
“Kenya covers an area of approximately 582,650 square kilometres and is frequently compared to an area the size of France.
“All tourist activity continues as normal throughout the country with holiday-makers visiting the country for safari circuits and the popular coastal resorts of Diani, Malindi, Watamu, Kilifi and Lamu.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office, in an updated travel advisory to Kenya, said: “There is a high threat from terrorism, including kidnapping.
“The main threat comes from extremists linked to Al Shabaab, a militant group that has carried out attacks in Kenya in response to Kenya’s military intervention in Somalia.
“On 15 June, gunmen attacked Mpeketoni Town on the Kenyan coast close to Lamu Island. At least 48 people were killed.”