Six people have been killed after suspected gunmen ambushed a 14-seater public service vehicle in Mandera County, in yet another deadly attack to hit Kenya’s northeastern region.
The victims, believed to be members of the same extended family, were travelling from Mandera town to attend an annual Quran recitation gathering when their matatu came under heavy gunfire on Saturday, May 9.
The attack occurred in the Beer Awayon area along the road leading to Arabia village in Lafey Constituency, sparking panic among residents and renewed concerns over insecurity near the Kenya-Somalia border.
Several passengers were also injured during the ambush, with emergency responders and local residents rushing to the scene before the wounded were transferred to Arabia Sub-County Hospital for treatment.
Authorities have yet to confirm the exact number of casualties and injuries, although local reports indicate that at least five survivors sustained serious wounds. Other reports suggested that some passengers remained unaccounted for hours after the attack.
Images and videos circulating online showed the heavily damaged 14-seater matatu riddled with bullet holes, with blood stains visible inside the vehicle following the brutal assault.
Lafey Constituency MP Mohamed Abdikheir condemned the killings, describing the incident as a “barbaric act of cowardice” and calling for swift government intervention.
“It is with profound sadness that I extend my deepest condolences to the families, friends, and loved ones of the six innocent travellers on a mini-bus who were brutally killed by unknown gunmen on the outskirts of Arabia,” Abdikheir said.
“My prayers to the injured, who are fighting for recovery amid this senseless violence. I strongly condemn this barbaric act of cowardice, which has robbed lives.”
The MP further urged security agencies to move quickly and ensure those behind the attack are apprehended and prosecuted.
“Such atrocities have no place in our modern society. I urge the government to launch a swift, thorough investigation, bring the perpetrators to justice and enhance security measures to prevent future tragedies,” he added.
Police had not issued an official statement by the time of publication, while no group had claimed responsibility for the ambush.
The attack is suspected to have been carefully coordinated, with the gunmen reportedly lying in wait several kilometres outside Arabia town before opening fire on the vehicle.
The latest bloodshed comes amid heightened national security operations across Kenya, with police in Nairobi intensifying patrols ahead of the upcoming Africa-France Summit expected to bring together more than 30 Heads of State next week.
Authorities have already announced major road closures around City Hall, Harambee Avenue and Parliament Road as security agencies prepare for the high-profile international gathering.
The Mandera attack is likely to renew scrutiny over persistent security challenges in Kenya’s northeastern counties, where sporadic extremist-related violence and cross-border attacks have continued to pose a threat to civilians and security personnel alike.
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