Five people lost their lives and five others sustained serious injuries in a tragic explosion that occurred in Elwak Town, Mandera County in Kenya on Monday morning.
The explosion, suspected to be from an Improvised Explosive Device (IED), was cleverly concealed on a donkey cart to avoid detection, authorities disclosed.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki who confirmed the incident, said security forces have taped off the area to commence investigation.
The Cabinet CS assured residents that operatives were actively working to apprehend the perpetrators. He urged them to cooperate with law enforcement by sharing any relevant information to aid in apprehending the criminals.
Kindiki also shared his concern that criminal elements might take advantage of the current stormy weather and ongoing disaster relief efforts to compromise national security in the country.
News Central reports that a suspected improvised bomb exploded from a donkey cart outside an eatery in Elwak town, Mandera county, killing five people and injuring five.
The blast occurred at 7am on Monday, at a location often visited by non-locals and serves as a casual labourer recruitment centre.
Survivors and locals have called for increased security measures to ensure safety in the area.
Following the incident, Equity Bank temporarily suspended operations at its local branch due to the incident.
“We regret to inform you, that our Elwak Branch, Mandera County will remain closed today following an explosion in Elwak Town. We confirm that our branch and the staff in Elwak are safe. However, as the security agencies continue with investigations…” the bank stated on X.
