Al-Shabab militants have reportedly killed two civilians in Garissa County, in Kenya's north-east, the Star website reports.

They were killed after al-Shabab militants stopped a bus and ordered passengers to produce their identification cards.

Three passengers who were not ethnic Somalis were picked out, according to the Star.

"They were then asked to recite the Muslim Shahada [Islamic declaration of belief in the oneness of God] and the seven verses of Suratul Fatiha [the opening chapter of the Koran]," said a teacher who was in the bus.

One of those targeted managed to recite the verses and was set free, but the other two were killed.

Al-Shabab militants often ambush travellers and security forces in the coastal and north-eastern regions of Kenya.

On 29 August, the militants ambushed Kenyan security forces and reportedly killed five soldiers.