MANDERA, Kenya — At least six people were killed and several others injured on Saturday morning after suspected gunmen ambushed a passenger vehicle in Mandera County.
The attack occurred at Beer-Awayon village along the road linking Mandera town and Arabia town in Mandera East Constituency.
According to preliminary reports, armed assailants intercepted the passenger vehicle before opening fire on the occupants, killing multiple passengers at the scene and injuring several others.
Emergency responders rushed the wounded victims to Mandera Referral Hospital for treatment.
Mohamed Abdiker condemned the attack, describing it as a cowardly act of violence and calling for swift action by security agencies.
“It is with profound sadness that I extend my deepest condolences to the families, friends, and loved ones of the six innocent travellers on a mini-bus who were brutally killed by unknown gunmen on the outskirts of Arabia,” Abdiker said.
“My prayers to the injured, who are fighting for recovery amid this senseless violence. I strongly condemn this barbaric act of cowardice, which has robbed lives,” he added.
The lawmaker urged the government to intensify security operations in the region and ensure those responsible are brought to justice.
“Such atrocities have no place in our modern society. I urge the government to launch a swift, thorough investigation, bring the perpetrators to justice, and enhance security measures to prevent future tragedies,” he said.
Security agencies had not established the motive behind the attack by Saturday afternoon, and no group had claimed responsibility.
The latest incident is likely to renew concerns over insecurity in northeastern Kenya, particularly in areas near the Kenya-Somalia border that have previously experienced attacks linked to armed militants and cross-border criminal activity.
Residents and local leaders have repeatedly called for increased patrols and enhanced security along major transport routes in Mandera to protect commuters and public service vehicles from recurring attacks.
Security personnel were reportedly deployed to the area as investigations into the ambush began.
