Kenyan police confirmed they have arrested four suspects over the murder of four community leaders earlier on Sunday.

"Several police operations have been mounted in the recent weeks targeting persons linked to violent crime in the general south coast region which led to the arrest of four suspects," Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinett said in a statement released in Nairobi.

He said a major manhunt for eight other suspects believed to have returned from Somalia following increased air strikes by African Union peacekeeping mission (AMISOM) is underway.

"Those being sought are believed to be members of criminal gangs terrorizing the public within the same south coast," Boinett said.

The arrest comes after suspected Al-Shabaab returnees killed four community leaders in Kwale town Sunday.

According to the police, Al-Shabaab returnees are suspected to be behind the fatal shooting.

Boinett asked the public to remain vigilant during the holy month of Ramadan and assist the police to deter any terror activities by Al-Shabaab who may have already infiltrated into the country.

Source: XINHUA