At least seven police officers sustained serious injuries after their vehicle was hit by an improvised explosive device (IED) along the Gadudia-Laga route, situated between Aresa and Khalalia in Mandera East.

The officers were en route from Bambo to Mandera when their patrol vehicle struck the explosive at around 1:00 a.m. on July 8. The explosion caused extensive damage to the vehicle and left all seven officers with multiple injuries. They were later taken to a nearby hospital for medical treatment.

Authorities say the area had recently experienced a period of relative calm, with few attacks attributed to al-Shabaab militants.

However, the proximity to the porous Kenya-Somalia border continues to make the region vulnerable to cross-border incursions.

Multi-agency security teams have been deployed to the scene to pursue the suspected attackers. National Police Service spokesperson Michael Muchiri stated that intensified efforts are underway to combat ongoing threats, noting that despite continued operations, insecurity remains a pressing issue.

In a separate incident in Wajir County, a local chief and his cousin were killed in a targeted attack believed to stem from a family feud.

Gunmen reportedly raided the chief’s residence in Qarsa Location, Wajir East, in the early hours of Tuesday. According to initial police findings, the attackers demanded that the chief step outside.

When he refused, they allegedly threw a grenade into his home before dragging him out and shooting him multiple times. They later proceeded to a nearby residence where they shot and killed his cousin.

The slain administrator has been identified as Senior Chief Adow Ali, a well-regarded figure known for promoting peace and development in the area.

Local leaders and security personnel have condemned the killings and launched an investigation. The normally peaceful Qarsa community has been left in shock by the attack. In a statement, the regional governor’s office expressed condolences to the bereaved families and pledged that the culprits would be brought to justice.

Police are continuing with investigations into both incidents.