Two police officers were among the three people killed in an Al-Shabaab terrorist attack in Mandera town on Monday, March 25.
Police Commissioner (PC) Alex Mbuvi Munguti from Mandera Police Station and his counterpart Cyprian Kuta from QRU Arabia died after the explosion at Fish Point Hotel.
A lady named Doreen also died in the explosion which left twelve other people including three other police officers from Mandera police station nursing injuries.
The officers who survived the attack include PC Samuel Momoi who suffered serious body injuries, Hillary Cheruiyot who had both his legs injured while Davis Meriki injured both his hands.
“Deceased bodies moved to Mandera Referral Hospital Mortuary awaiting postmortem. Injured admitted at the same facility,” reads a report seen by The Kenya Times.
Likewise, several other victims of the terror attack suffered both minor and serious injuries.
Emily Nyairabu had her left hand and leg injured while Joseph Gichugo suffered injuries in both legs. Peris Okondo was injured in both legs, Benta Okello sustained forehead injury while Esther Wangare suffered a right-hand injury.
Other injured people include Peres Onyango (leg injury), Janet Kariuki (buttock and left leg injury), Nasra Jibril (slight body injury) and Dickson Wachira (hands injury).
Mandera Governor Condemns Al-Shabaab Attack
Mandera Governor Mohamed Adan Khalif condemned the attack stating that it was a cowardly act by the terrorist.
In a statement on his social media platforms, Khalif expressed his condolences and prayers to the victims and their families affected by this tragic incident.
He went ahead to wish the injured a quick recovery process, adding that the county will support them.
“My heartfelt condolences and prayers to the victims and their families affected by this tragic incident. I equally wish the victims who sustained injuries a quick recovery as they receive treatment,” he stated.
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“I would like to assure the families of the victims our full support during this difficult time and commend the Department of Health Services for the swift response as they attend to the victims who sustained injuries.”
The governor stated that the last terror incident in Mandera was the abduction of two Cuban doctors on 12th April 2019.
He also explained that Mandera town has enjoyed a sustained period of peace and calm since that incident.
“Today’s incident will not deter our tireless efforts and commitment to matters about peace and security,” noted the governor.
“We are working closely with security agencies to pursue the criminals behind this senseless attack and chart a way forward to prevent such incidents from happening again,” Khalif said.
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Kindiki Commissions Ksh7 Billion Security Equipment
The attack comes after Interior CS Kithure Kindiki commissioned and dispatched the first batch of equipment to fight banditry and terrorism under the “Operation Maliza Uhalifu”.
During the launch, Kindiki underscored the Government’s unwavering focus on neutralizing terrorism and criminal activities which is paramount for Kenya’s security and development.
“Investing Ksh.7.6 billion in the last six months and allocating Ksh29.4 billion for the next three years demonstrates the commitment,” Kindiki said.
He explained that equipping frontline officers in strategic regions like the North Rift Valley and the Boni Enclave is a priority for the government.
The CS added that the National Police Service officers will be empowered for effective operations with advanced equipment procurement under the Police Equipment Modernisation program.
