Kindiki On How Terrorists Snuck In Bomb That Killed 5 In Elwak, Mandera

Interior Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kithure Kindiki has revealed that the Improvised Explosive Device (IED) that killed five people at Elwak Town in Mandera County was brought in by suspected terrorists in a donkey cart.

In a statement on Monday, April 29, the CS confirmed the deaths of the five while five others were injured, appearing to dismiss earlier media reports which claimed that the death toll was higher.

"An explosion of an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) in Elwak Town within Mandera County earlier today has caused the death of five (5) people and inflicted life-threatening injuries on five (5) others.

"The bomb unleashed by the criminals was laden on a donkey cart to avoid detection," he stated in part.

Kindiki further confirmed that the crime scene has been sealed off for evacuation and investigations while various security formations are in pursuit of the attackers.

Earlier on Monday, the IED exploded after it was reportedly planted in the town's Central Business District just near the Administrative Police (AP) post.

In response, businesses in the area including banks announced the closure of their operations even as security agencies embarked on tracking down the perpetrators.

"We regret to inform you, that our Elwak Branch, Mandera County will remain closed today following an explosion in Elwak Town. We confirm that our branch and the staff in Elwak are safe," one of the local banks announced.

Initial reports indicated that there was heavy gunfire between police officers stationed in the area and suspected Al Shabaab terrorists.

It was further reported that the IED had targeted houses belonging to teachers and healthcare workers in the region. 

At the same time, Kindiki raised an alarm regarding criminals taking advantage of the heavy rains and efforts to mitigate the flooding disaster to conduct their heinous acts.

"The Public is requested to assist law enforcement agencies with information to ensure the complete rollback against criminal elements who may take advantage of the prevailing stormy weather and disaster mitigation efforts to compromise our National Security," he urged.

Residents sift through the rubble as they recover their belongings after the Nairobi river burst its banks and destroyed their homes within the Mathare Valley settlement in Nairobi, Kenya on April 25, 2024. /REUTERS