Kenya’s National Police Service has arrested an individual suspected of operating social media accounts in the name of militant group Al-Shabaab claiming responsibility for attacks in Mpeketoni in which more than 60 people died.
Dozens died in the attacks at the weekend when gunmen opened fire on civilians, with Al-Shabaab apparently claiming responsibility on Twitter.
However, Kenyan president Uhuru Kenyatta refuted claims the attack was carried out by the Somali militant group, saying the attack was politically instigated.
Inspector general of police David Kimaiyo took to Twitter this afternoon to say leaders of the attacks were being interrogated and one had already been charged, while police have also arrested a suspect he said was operating fake social media accounts.
“We have arrested several suspects in connection to Mpeketoni incident including the owner and driver of one the vehicles used by attackers,” he tweeted.
“OCS Aden Ali, Mpeketoni, dismissed with immediate effect and he’ll be charged in court. More suspects including leaders are being interrogated.”
A final Tweet read: “Also in police custody is a suspect who was operating social media accounts purportedly used by Al Shabaab to claim responsibility.”
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