NAIROBI, Kenya – Somalia has handed back two rifles taken from a slain Kenyan police officer following a deadly attack near the Kenya-Somalia border.
But there’s a catch—most of the ammunition is still missing, and the gunmen responsible remain at large.
The weapons, a G3 rifle and an AK-47, were returned to Kenyan security forces in Mandera on Saturday morning, less than a day after suspected rogue Somali security personnel ambushed a Border Police Unit post.
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Attack at Border Point 4: What Happened?
The assault, which took place on March 14, saw around 20 heavily armed attackers storm Border Point 4 in Mandera County.
Five Kenyan police officers were caught in the ambush. Constable Dennis Omari was killed on the spot, while another officer sustained a gunshot wound to the arm.
He was initially treated at Mandera Referral Hospital before being airlifted to Nairobi for specialized care.
During the attack, the assailants seized Omari’s G3 rifle (60 bullets) and an AK-47 rifle (30 bullets).
However, when Somali authorities returned the weapons, only 10 bullets were recovered.
Was This Revenge? Authorities Think So
Investigators suspect the attack may have been retaliation for a recent crackdown on terror suspects.
Reports suggest that Kenyan police had recently arrested individuals linked to an attempted abduction of Chinese nationals working in Mandera.
One of the arrested suspects is allegedly related to a Somali security officer—who authorities now believe may have played a role in the assault.
Senior Kenyan police officials visited the scene as part of an ongoing investigation, while Somali authorities have launched a manhunt for the attackers.
Despite the return of the rifles, tensions remain high.
Kenya has demanded the arrest of those responsible and full accountability for the missing ammunition.
Meanwhile, Somali military forces are under pressure to prove their commitment to cross-border security cooperation.
