Police foiled an attempt by al Shabaab militants to abduct an imam from a mosque in Konton, Wajir County.
Police and witnesses said a gang of about five had raided a local mosque and took hostage about 40 faithful who were present.
The gang ordered them out and tried to drive them into a thicket heading to nearby Kenya-Somalia border.
Their target was the imam who doubles as a National Police Reservist who was leading the prayers then.
It was in the process that gunshots were fired forcing the gang to abandon their mission and escape.
County police boss Hilary Toroitich confirmed the incident saying that no injuries were reported.
“We have sent a reinforcement to help in tracking the gang,” he said.
The area has been a center of interest as gangs have in the past abducted government officials and killed them without making demands.
A chief was in 2019 killed in the area after an abduction.
The region is among those affected by insecurity related to terrorism.
Al Shabaab terrorists are behind the series of incidents that have grounded operations.
Three al Shabaab terrorists were on Saturday killed by a bomb they were setting up that went off accidentally at a village in Damasa, Mandera County.
Police said the incident happened in Nus Dariq village outside Damasa in Kenya.
The terrorists’ bodies were discovered long after the incident had happened.
There are concerns the persistent attacks are grounding operations in the region.
Transport has been grounded as there is little movements due to fear of attacks.
Officials at the Mandera County Government for instance in June 2021 stopped the movement of their vehicles over increasing terror-related incidents in the area.
There are fears of more attacks after locals reported sighting more gunmen roaming in separate places while planning to strike.
Edited by B. Oruta
