Suspected militia strike matatu carrying family in Mandera, raising fresh security concerns

At least six people were killed and three others seriously injured after a passenger matatu came under attack from suspected militia along the Mandera-Arabia Road in Mandera County on Friday.

According to the National Police Service, the attack occurred shortly after the vehicle passed the Omar Jillo Centre while transporting family members to Arabia Town.

In a statement issued by NPS spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga, the assailants reportedly opened indiscriminate fire on the Nissan matatu, triggering panic among passengers.

“Upon receiving the distress call, a multi-agency security team responded swiftly and facilitated the evacuation of the injured to Arabia Sub-County Level Four Hospital,” the statement said.

Police said six victims were pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital, while three others sustained serious injuries and were later transferred to Mandera County Referral Hospital for specialised treatment.

The National Police Service condemned the attack and conveyed condolences to the families of those killed.

“The National Police Service extends its deepest condolences to the families, friends and loved ones of the deceased. We pray for a full and speedy recovery for the injured,” Nyaga said.

Security agencies have since launched a major operation to track down those behind the attack, with specialised units deployed in the area.

“A comprehensive search and pursuit operation is underway with the sole aim of hunting down the perpetrators. We are committed to bringing them to justice and ensuring they face the full force of the law,” the statement added.

The NPS appealed to members of the public to volunteer information that could assist investigators, urging residents to report tips through police stations, emergency numbers 999 and 911, or anonymously through the #FichuaKwaDCI hotline.

Authorities further assured residents of continued security operations in the region, vowing not to be intimidated by acts of violence targeting civilians.

“We remain resolute in our constitutional mandate to protect life and property. We will not be cowed by such cowardly acts of violence,” the Service said.

The attack adds to growing security concerns in parts of Mandera County, where authorities have previously battled militia-related incidents along routes near the Kenya-Somalia border.