Police reservist killed by gunmen in Elwak, Mandera

Gunmen struck and killed a National Police Reservist in a raid in the Iressuki area, Elwak, Mandera County.

The attackers believed to be al-Shabaab terrorists clashed with police reservists as they targeted the residence of the NPR head in charge of the governor’s office, Abidkar Ibrahim.

Local police said the gang escaped after the Monday clash, with some sustaining injuries.

Mandera Governor Mohamed Adan decried the killing as a needless murder that could have been avoided if security agents had acted on intelligence received as early as last week.

“Information was relayed to all security agents as late as Sunday when the officers said they would be attacked by al-Shabaab and had no capacity to fight them, but nothing was done,” Adan said.

The killing is the latest in a series of attacks by the militia in the region.

On Sunday morning, a gang attacked and killed six NPR officers in Fafi, Garissa County. At least six AK-47 rifles, three magazines, and a Rocket Propelled Grenade are unaccounted for after the terrorists overran a National Police Reserve camp.

Officials said 16 NPR officers were at the camp during the attack. Six remain unaccounted for, raising fears they were abducted.

During the attack, two al-Shabaab militants were killed, and one was injured, police said.

The gang later stopped a car carrying mourners, ordered the occupants out, and loaded the bodies onto the vehicle before driving toward Somalia.

There are fears of more attacks after militants were spotted mobilizing and moving toward Kenya.

Earlier this year, five chiefs were abducted by al-Shabaab and have yet to be reunited with their families. Before that, three young men were kidnapped and later returned.

“Our security personnel have turned into ambulances for collecting dead bodies after incidents instead of proactively deterring attacks,” the governor added.

Reports indicate dozens of militants are roaming the area with intent to strike.

On March 15, about 150 al-Shabaab operatives raided Mangai village in Boni, Lamu County, as locals prepared for evening prayers.

They split into two groups—one guarding a security camp while the other entered the village, lectured residents, and distributed dates before disappearing into the night.

The area, near the porous Kenya-Somalia border, is frequently breached by militants. Locals have reported seeing them probing and spying on security camps.

Police said multi-agency teams have been dispatched to pursue the gangs.

National Police Service spokesman Michael Muchiri said efforts are being intensified to address the persistent threat.

Mandera has been a focal point in recent weeks after rogue Somali security officials shot and killed a Kenyan police officer over the same issue.

Terrorist attacks have affected development in the region, prompting intensified security operations.

The incidents come as the US embassy in Nairobi issued a travel advisory warning its citizens against visiting Kenya-Somalia border counties, including Garissa, Wajir, Mandera, Tana River, and areas north of Malindi, citing security risks such as crime, terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping.

Officials said patrols in the region have been enhanced.