At least nine people were Friday night killed in Lamu County in an attack by suspected Al-Shabaab militants.

Security officials in the area said the nine villagers in Jima area, Lamu West were beheaded by the attackers.

Witnesses and security sources said the attackers herded the villagers before they slaughtered them using knives.

Many other people are unaccounted for in the area and there were fears the toll may increase.

Police headquarters said a security team had been sent to the scene and was yet to get more information on the attack.

Operation Linda Boni head of operations James ole Seriani said there was an attack but refused to give details. He said a team of security officials had been sent to the area to pursue the attackers.

“There was an attack in the area and we are still pursuing the attackers. We will give more information later,” said Seriani.

President Kenyatta mentioned the incident but said more details would be provided later.

“We have had an unfortunate incident this morning that we are currently assessing and addressing,” he said.

Other security sources on the ground said at least nine bodies of men had been recovered and all were beheaded.

The locals said the militants had earlier on visited homesteads looking for food.

The scene of the incident is about two kilometers away from Pandaguo where the militants attacked last week and killed three police officers.

There are fears the militants could be planning attacks in other parts of the county.

“That is what they usually do before large attacks happen,” said a local.

Last week, 150 Al-Shabaab gunmen prayed at a local mosque before launching an attack on the police station, dispensary and school.

They stole medicine from the dispensary and later burnt it together with the police station.

Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinnet said they will provide security to ensure locals in the affected areas vote peacefully on August 8.