- The bomb was laden on a donkey cart when it went off killing the 13, witnesses and police said.
- This is the second such blast to happen using a donkey cart.
Image: COURTESY/x
At least 13 people were killed after an Improvised Explosive Device went off in Elwak Town, Mandera County.
The bomb was laden on a donkey cart when it went off killing the 13, witnesses and police said.
This is the second such blast to happen using a donkey cart.
But other locals suspect the bomb was detonated by a person who was near there.
The incident happened Monday, April 29 morning opposite a local Administration Police camp.
The victims, according to witnesses are ten non locals and three local ones.
They include seven Kenyans (non-locals) three Ethiopians and three locals including two taxi drivers.
The targeted premise houses non-locals include teachers, nurses and police officers.
Equity Bank said they had suspended operations at their local branch following the explosion.
“Dear Esteemed Members, We regret to inform you, that our Elwak Branch, Mandera County will remain closed today following an explosion in Elwak Town. We confirm that our branch and the staff in Elwak are safe. However, as the security agencies continue with investigations,” the bank said in a message on social media.
Reports indicate there was intelligence about the possible attack in the area.
Security operations were immediately launched after the explosion but no arrest was made.
Officials said they believe the incident was set up by al-Shabaab terrorists or their remnants operating in the area.
The explosion may have also been set up by locals who are extremists and hiding behind al shabaab terrorists, officials said.
This is the latest such incident to happen in the area amid ongoing operations to tame the terror activities there.
Mandera governor Mohamed Khalif condemned in the strongest terms what he termed a heinous and tragic terrorist attack in Elwak town.
“Our collective commitment to matters of peace and security remains firm despite such cowardly attacks by terror outfits whose aim is to create fear and division,” he said.
“I urge Wananchi to remain vigilant and share any information that may aid security agencies as they pursue the perpetrators behind this senseless attack. I equally urge the security agencies to quickly act on any substantive information provided by the locals to avert possible terrorist attacks."
On April 13, gunmen suspected to be al Shabaab militants raided a local hospital and terrorized guards on duty.