Tensions Soar Along Kenya-Somalia Border After Fatal Shooting
NAIROBI, Kenya – A Kenyan police officer was fatally shot, and another injured in a cross-border attack by suspected Somali National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) officers near Mandera County.
The Friday, March 14 incident has heightened tensions along the Kenya-Somalia border, with authorities investigating the motive behind the assault.
According to reports , five officers stationed at Border Point 4 came under heavy gunfire from an estimated 20 NISA officers at around 11:20 AM.
The attackers, allegedly retaliating over a previous terror-related arrest, ambushed the Kenyan security team, killing Police Constable Dennis Omari and injuring Police Constable Wright Mokua.
Deadly Ambush and Stolen Firearms
During the attack, PC Omari suffered a fatal gunshot wound to the stomach, while PC Mokua was shot in the upper left arm.
Mokua is currently receiving treatment at Mandera Referral Hospital, where doctors have confirmed his condition is stable.
The assailants also made away with two firearms belonging to the Kenyan officers:
- A G3 rifle (Serial No. A00708) with 60 rounds of ammunition, taken from the late PC Omari.
- An AK-47 (Serial No. 5501352) with 30 rounds, stolen from NPR Officer Sadam Salat.
Authorities suspect that the attack was orchestrated by a NISA officer, believed to be the brother of a terror suspect previously arrested by Kenyan security forces.
Reports indicate the motive stemmed from a failed abduction attempt involving Chinese nationals—a case that remains under investigation.
Police Respond as Tensions Rise
Following the shooting, senior police officials, led by the Mandera County Police Commander, arrived at the scene to assess the situation.
Security forces remain on high alert as intelligence reports suggest the possibility of further retaliatory attacks.
Border security in Mandera East Sub-County has been significantly tightened, with Kenyan authorities engaging Somali officials to de-escalate the growing hostility.
However, residents report increased anxiety, fearing that renewed clashes could disrupt local trade and movement across the border.
Kenyan security agencies, including the Anti-Terror Police Unit (ATPU), have taken over the investigation, and diplomatic efforts are underway to prevent further conflict between the two nations.
With tensions rising along the Kenya-Somalia border, security forces are bracing for potential escalations.
The Kenyan government is expected to issue an official statement outlining its next steps in handling the cross-border security threats.
For now, the focus remains on securing the region, investigating the motive behind the fatal attack, and ensuring justice for the officers affected.
