An improvised explosive device has been safely detonated in Mandera town.
It was found buried under a shade used by police officers manning the main Kenya-Somalia border at the Border Point Sector Three on Wednesday morning.
It was connected to a detonator and mobile phone, indicating it was ready to explode.
Police said they noticed the device in a metallic container next to a wall of an abandoned house. They said officers manning the area use it to shield themselves from the scorching sun.
A multi-agency team visited the scene and ordered the area be cordoned off as they deployed robots to remove and detonate the gadget.
Officials said metal shrapnel fragments and a destroyed cell phone were recovered.
The area is usually under surveillance over fears of attacks from al Shabaab.
The recovery comes almost a month after a similar explosive killed at least eight people at a food kiosk in Elwak town.
The incident happened on April 29 morning, opposite an Administration Police camp.
The targeted premise housed non-locals who included teachers, nurses and police officers.
Officials said they believe the incident was set up by al Shabaab terrorists or their remnants operating in the area.
Mandera Governor Mohamed Khalif condemned the attack.
“Our collective commitment to matters of peace and security remains firm despite such cowardly attacks by terror outfits whose aim is to create fear and division,” he said.
