Six killed, several injured in gunmen attack on passenger vehicle in Mandera

By IRENE MWANGISaturday May 9, 2026

A passenger vehicle traveling in Mandera East Constituency came under a deadly ambush on Saturday morning, leaving at least six people dead and several others nursing injuries after suspected gunmen opened fire.

The attack took place at Beer-Awayon village on the road connecting Mandera town and Arabia town, where the vehicle was headed before it was struck by heavy gunfire.

According to preliminary reports, armed assailants intercepted the vehicle and opened fire, killing several passengers at the scene and injuring others in what witnesses described as a sudden and brutal assault.

Lafey MP Mohamed Abdiker condemned the incident in strong terms, describing it as a cowardly act of violence and calling on security agencies to act quickly to restore calm and track down those behind the shooting.

“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,”Abdiker stated.

“ 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,” he added.

Reacting to the tragedy, the legislator said the loss of life had left him deeply pained and urged authorities to move fast to stop similar attacks from recurring in the region.

“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.”

Emergency responders evacuated the injured to Mandera Referral Hospital, where they were admitted for treatment.

Security agencies had not yet disclosed what may have motivated the attack, and no group had claimed responsibility.

The assault is likely to intensify security anxieties in the area, which has previously experienced sporadic attacks linked to armed militants and cross-border insecurity because of its location near the Kenya-Somalia border.

Residents and local leaders have repeatedly appealed for stronger security patrols on major transport routes in the region to shield commuters and public service vehicles from repeated attacks.

Security personnel were reportedly deployed to the area as investigations into the ambush commenced.