A calm evening meeting in Mandera Town turned tragic on Tuesday when an explosive device detonated during a gathering led by MP Ali Mohamed, killing eight people and leaving several others injured.
The attack happened at around 7:45 p.m. in the courtyard of a mosque where residents had assembled after prayers to discuss development and security concerns.
The MP and about 50 locals were seated on benches and mats when the explosion tore through the open space, sending shockwaves across the neighborhood.
Security officers quickly rushed to the scene, sealing off the area and transporting the wounded to Mandera County Hospital, where doctors worked through the night to treat victims, some of whom suffered serious shrapnel injuries.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the explosive had been hidden in a plastic bag placed near the gathering area. Detectives recovered metallic fragments and wiring materials consistent with a low-yield improvised explosive device (IED).
Forensic experts collected samples for lab analysis while intelligence officers combed through surveillance footage to trace movements before and after the blast.
The explosion came just days after a security alert warned of possible attacks on public gatherings in Mandera County. Intelligence reports had noted suspicious movements near meeting venues in the region.
Police have since launched a manhunt for the suspects believed to have planted the device. Investigators are mapping possible escape routes and reviewing communication logs and vehicle movements recorded near the mosque.
Residents watched in shock as investigators marked evidence and interviewed witnesses at the scene. Families of the victims gathered at the county mortuary, awaiting identification and postmortem procedures.
Following the attack, security has been tightened across Mandera Town, with increased patrols and stricter controls on public events.
The bombing marks a rare and deeply unsettling act of violence in the area, sparking new concerns over public safety and the vulnerability of community gatherings to extremist threats.
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