Grief in Mandera as interclan violence claims six lives in Banissa

A deadly night attack near the Kenya-Ethiopia border has left six people dead and four others injured, deepening fears of renewed interclan violence in Mandera County’s Banissa constituency.

The incident, which occurred on Wednesday night, took place in Malkamari Division, between the Choroqo and Muruthow areas.

According to police, the victims were shot using rifles in what they believe was a revenge attack.

The assault, which happened around midnight, is suspected to be linked to ongoing interclan conflict in the region.

Last week, a similar confrontation claimed the lives of three people, raising concern over escalating tensions.

The six victims, all from one extended family and residing in the same household, were identified as Kheira Muhumed Abdirahman, 38, Abdifatah Haji Issack Hassan, 4, Imran Haji Issack, 3, Aisha Haji Issack, 6 months, Halima Abdi Guhad, 42, and Kheira Mohamed Muhumed, 8.

The family was buried on Thursday in accordance with their traditions and religious customs.

The four individuals who sustained injuries were taken to a nearby hospital, with reports indicating they were in serious condition.

Police said the shooting was carried out using rifles and that the victims were targeted while in their home.

Officials cited poor network coverage as a reason for the delay in receiving reports from the scene.

Security agencies have since mobilized to restore calm in the affected area, although no arrests had been made by Thursday.

Investigations are ongoing to identify those responsible for the killings.

Tension remained high throughout the day as families and local leaders mourned the victims.

The loss of children as young as six months added to the weight of the tragedy, with many calling for urgent efforts to prevent more bloodshed.

Nominated Member of Parliament Suleka Hulbaale condemned the violence, describing it as a cruel act that had destroyed an innocent family.

"This was a senseless act of violence," she said. "We demand swift investigations and justice for the affected families."

Hulbaale also urged security officials to increase operations in Mandera and protect vulnerable residents from future attacks.

She called on community leaders to work together to stop the cycle of violence and support efforts aimed at peace and reconciliation.

"Security agencies must step up operations in the region to prevent further attacks and protect innocent civilians," she said.

She further appealed to elders and other community stakeholders to guide their people towards peaceful co-existence.

Such attacks are not new to the region, where clan rivalries over land and resources often lead to deadly confrontations.

The latest killings have added to the long list of lives lost in interclan conflicts that continue to destabilize parts of northern Kenya.