Terror at prayer time as knife-wielding attacker lynched after killing rider in Tana River

At least two people died following a violent knife attack and subsequent mob injustice incident in the Maramtu area of Bangale Sub-County, Tana River County.

Police said the incident occurred on March 16, 2026.

The violence began when the deceased, identified as Ismail Abdi Osman Bayata, 32, allegedly launched a series of attacks in the area.

The suspect first attacked a motorcyclist who was riding from Madogo towards Maramtu. He reportedly stabbed the rider fatally using a knife in an unprovoked attack.

He then proceeded to a nearby mosque during evening prayers, where he allegedly began attacking worshippers indiscriminately, witnesses told police.

In the chaos, one worshipper sustained stab wounds to the back and was rushed for medical attention. He was admitted in stable condition.

Worshippers eventually overpowered the attacker and, in retaliation, lynched him on the spot, police said.

Authorities indicated that the attacker was reportedly suffering from a mental illness and had been undergoing treatment at Garissa County Referral Hospital.

The bodies of the deceased, both bearing visible injuries, were moved to the Garissa Level Five County Referral Hospital mortuary pending post-mortem examinations.

Police have launched investigations into the incident, which has once again raised concerns over mob justice and mental health awareness in the region.

Cases of mob lynching are on the rise in the country, even as authorities step up efforts to curb the trend. Police say up to five such cases are reported daily in different parts of the country. Mental health concerns are also increasing amid ongoing efforts to address them.

Meanwhile, a 19-year-old man was killed following a violent altercation over a grazing field in Wajir County.

Police said the incident occurred on the evening of March 16 at Biad Village in Sarif Location, Banane Ward.

The deceased was identified as Suleiman Farah Ali. Officers who responded to the scene found that members of the public had already interfered with it and transported the body using a Probox vehicle to Biyamathow.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the deceased had been involved in a dispute with a suspect over a grazing field. During the confrontation, the suspect allegedly stabbed the victim multiple times on the head, back, and abdomen before fleeing the scene.

The body, which had visible stab wounds, was preserved at Biyamathow Health Centre, where a post-mortem examination was conducted before it was released to the family for burial in accordance with Islamic rites.

Police have launched a manhunt for the suspect as investigations into the incident continue.