At least seven police officers were injured after an explosion hit their vehicle along Gadudia-Laga Road between Aresa and Khalalia in Mandera East.
The
group was travelling in a police car from the Bambo area to Mandera on July 8 at 1
am when the vehicle ran over an Improvised Explosive Device.
This
left seven police officers with serious multiple injuries. They were later
evacuated to a local hospital for attention. Police said the vehicle was severely damaged after the blast.
The
area has been experiencing a lull from attacks related to al-Shabaab militants.
The
area is near the porous Kenya-Somalia border, which the militants usually breach.
Police said multi-agency teams had been dispatched to the region to pursue the millitants.
National
police service spokesman Michael Muchiri said they are making more efforts to
address the menace that has persisted despite operations aimed at taming it.
The
terrorists have been attacking the area, affecting development at large.
Meanwhile, a chief and his cousin were shot and killed at close range in an attack on their home in a village in Wajir County.
Police
believe the Tuesday morning killing is linked to a family dispute.
Gunmen struck Qarsa Location in Wajir East
and killed the chief in the dawn attack.
The
chief was killed alongside a civilian believed to be his relative.
Authorities have launched investigations into
what they termed a heinous act.
Police identified
the deceased chief as Senior Chief Adow Ali.
Locals
said the attackers came and demanded that he come out, and when he refused,
they hurled a grenade into the house, dragged him out and shot him three times.
They
then proceeded to the home of Noor Gathuf, his cousin, and killed him as well.
The chief was known for his efforts in maintaining peace and fostering
development in Qarsa.
Local authorities cordoned off the area where
the incident occurred and are conducting a thorough investigation.
Qarsa
town, typically a quiet and close-knit community, has rarely experienced such
violent incidents.
A
statement from the regional governor’s office expressed condolences to the
families of the victims and assured the public that “every effort will be made
to bring the perpetrators to justice.”
Police said they are investigating the incident.
