Kenyans Protest Over Surge In Terror Attacks

Angry demonstrations have been taking place in the Kenyan capital of Nairobi over continuing attacks on citizens by extremists.

Protesters carried coffins and red crosses as a memorial for the hundreds of Kenyans killed in recent shootings and grenade attacks by fighters of Somalia's Islamist terror group, al Shabaab.

The most recent attack occurred on Saturday in the north of the country when attackers hijacked a bus near the city of Mandera, singled out non-Muslims and shot 28 of them in the head.

Twenty-two of those killed were teachers leaving the city for their holiday break.

Achieng Otieno, a 35-year-old IT consultant who took part in Tuesday's demonstration, said: "One thing we want to do is put it clear to our leaders that the state of security is worrying for all Kenyans.

"We need to put our security organs in place - how do you explain someone coming from nowhere and shooting 28 people?"

One group of protesters discussed security efforts against Islamic extremists after four mosques in Mombasa were closed down last week - al Shabaab said the bus attack was in retaliation for that move.

Accountant Newton Kidali, 30, said: "I think the government has played into their hands by closing the mosques and the extra-judicial killings.

"I think if those Muslim clerics are committing crimes they should just be arrested."

Earlier this year, gunmen near the coastal resort town of Lamu killed around 50 people.

Al Shabaab terrorists in 2013 attacked a Nairobi mall and killed 67 shoppers.

Militants allied with them have carried out more than 100 bombings and gun attacks inside the country since Kenya sent troops into neighbouring Somalia in 2011.

In response, Kenyan authorities have shut down mosques, carried out mass arrests of Muslims and, according to rights activists, have sometimes killed Muslim leaders, acts that critics worry are continuing to perpetuate the cycle of violence.

One of the country's largest papers, the Daily Nation, said claims that police manning the border checkpoints with Somalia allowed the Mandera attackers must be investigated.

The paper questioned the police force's commitment to fighting terrorism.

Another opinion column on Tuesday, addressing Kenyan leader Uhuru Kenyatta, asked: "Dear Mr President, what are you doing as Kenya burns?"

Non-Muslim Kenyans from Mandera on Tuesday sought refuge at an army post, fearful of another attack and hoping for protection from the army.

They say they want to be evacuated from the area.

Regional governor Ali Roba has urged people to reconsider, arguing such a move is a sign of fear and a victory for the terrorists.