At least 15 people have been killed in Kenya by Islamic militants according to local media reports, just 24 hours after a similar attack left around 50 people dead.

The area surrounding the coastal town of Mpeketoni again proved the target. Somali group Al Shabaab have taken responsibility for the killings, alleging their latest assault in fact claimed 20 lives.

Kenya has been gripped by a wave of violence, with the Al Qaeda linked militants threatening to continue such attacks in the area. The first assault targeted two local hotels, a bank and police station. The raids have been taking place a relatively short distance from the popular tourist destination of Lamu Island.

Al Shabaab has stepped up it’s operations in Kenya since the Kenyan army pledged forces to help fight extremism in neighbouring Somalia.