Bodhai Deputy County Commissioner Dubat Mohamed confirmed the incident, saying the IED is believed to have been planted by militants targeting security patrols that frequently use the route.
“This is a sad and unfortunate incident. We suspect the attackers were targeting our security personnel who regularly conduct surveillance operations along that road,” Mohamed said.
North Eastern regional commissioner John Otieno speaking to
the press in Garissa last week Friday./STEPHEN ASTARIKO
Two people were killed on Monday morning in a suspected Al-Shabaab attack after their vehicle ran over an improvised explosive device (IED) along the Ijara–Bodhai road in Garissa County.The victims, identified as Mohamed Shabel Bashir and Abdikadir Muhumed Salat, were traveling in a Probox car heading to Bodhai town when the deadly blast occurred.Bodhai Deputy County Commissioner Dubat Mohamed confirmed the incident, saying the IED is believed to have been planted by militants targeting security patrols that frequently use the route.“This is a sad and unfortunate incident. We suspect the attackers were targeting our security personnel who regularly conduct surveillance operations along that road,” Mohamed said.Residents reported hearing a loud explosion, prompting security forces to respond.
Upon arrival, they found the mangled wreckage of the car and the mutilated remains of the two men scattered at the scene.Images from the site showed the extent of the destruction, pointing to the high intensity of the explosive used.Mohamed said security along the road has been heightened, with a joint operation involving the General Service Unit (GSU) and Special Operations Group (SOG) deployed to pursue the attackers.“We are in hot pursuit of these criminal elements. Our forces are combing suspected hideouts,” he added, urging residents to cooperate with authorities and share any useful information.Ijara MP Abdi Ali condemned the attack, calling it a tragic setback in efforts to restore peace in the region.“I am deeply saddened and shocked by this senseless act of violence. It’s a painful reminder of the threats facing our communities,” he said.
“I urge security agencies to act swiftly and bring the perpetrators to justice.”Ijara constituency has seen repeated attacks by Al-Shabaab militants, partly due to its proximity to the dense Boni Forest, which has long served as a hideout for the group.The attack comes just two days after North Eastern Regional Commissioner John Otieno said the region was experiencing relative calm, with no major incidents recently reported.
Monday’s deadly bombing now casts doubt on that assessment.
North Eastern regional commissioner John Otieno speaking to
the press in Garissa last week Friday./STEPHEN ASTARIKO 
