Eight people, including five engineers and two Kenya Police Reservists, have been killed following an armed ambush along the Mandera-Arabia-Lafey road in Mandera County. The attack occurred in the morning at Koromey, near Hagarsu, where heavily armed gunmen reportedly blocked the road before opening fire on a vehicle providing security escort for a road construction project. According to local police and security officials, the vehicle was transporting security personnel attached to the ongoing infrastructure project when it came under attack. Seven victims died at the scene, while the eighth casualty, who was driving the security vehicle, succumbed to injuries while being rushed to Mandera County Teaching and Referral Hospital.
Security Operation Launched After Mandera Attack
Following the incident, multi-agency security teams launched an operation to pursue the attackers, who fled after the shooting. Additional security personnel have been deployed across the affected area as authorities intensify efforts to track down those responsible and prevent further attacks. No group had immediately claimed responsibility for the incident at the time of reporting.
Concerns Over Security of Road Construction Projects
The attack has raised fresh concerns over the safety of workers and security personnel involved in infrastructure development in Mandera County, particularly in areas considered vulnerable to insecurity. Authorities are working to strengthen security in the region to protect ongoing construction activities and ensure the safety of personnel operating along the affected road. Investigations into the attack are ongoing as security agencies pursue the suspected gunmen.
