Over 20 Killed in Kenya Coastal Attacks

More than 20 people are confirmed dead in attacks in Kenya's coastal Lamu region, officials said Sunday, with police blaming regional separatists despite Somalia's Islamist Shebab rebels claiming responsibility.

Kenyan deputy police chief Grace Kaindi said 21 people had died in the two attacks late Saturday and blamed the Mombasa Republican Council (MRC), a group that campaigns for independence of the coastal region. 

The Kenyan Red Cross aid agency put the toll at 22 dead.

"Preliminary investigation shows the attack was carried out by MRC members," Kaindi told a press conference at the police headquarters.

"There is also evidence that the attacks are motivated by political and religious issues," she added.