Mandera Governor Mohamed Adan Khalif has condemned the deadly ambush that claimed the lives of eight people travelling in a security vehicle escorting road construction workers along the Mandera-Arabia-Lafey Road.
In a statement, the governor described the Tuesday morning attack in the Hagarsu area as tragic and devastating, expressing grief over the loss of lives and calling for urgent investigations to bring those responsible to justice.
According to Khalif, all eight occupants of the vehicle were killed in the attack.
The victims included five road construction workers, two Kenya Police Reservists (KPRs) and the driver.
The deceased were part of a team involved in road construction activities in the county and were reportedly travelling under security escort when they came under attack by armed assailants.
The governor said the incident was particularly painful because some of those killed were individuals working to improve infrastructure and support development in Mandera County.
He conveyed his condolences to the bereaved families, friends and colleagues of the victims, saying the county government stood with them during the difficult period.
“On behalf of the County Government and the people of Mandera, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the families and all those affected by this tragedy. We stand with you in this difficult moment,” Khalif said.
He called on security agencies to move swiftly and establish the circumstances surrounding the attack, urging them to ensure that those behind the killings are apprehended and prosecuted.
Khalif further stressed that residents of Mandera deserve an environment where they can live and work without fear, adding that insecurity should not be allowed to derail development projects in the county.
He reaffirmed the county government’s commitment to working with security agencies and other stakeholders to promote lasting peace and stability.
The attack has once again raised concerns over the safety of road construction workers and security personnel operating in parts of Mandera, particularly along routes that have experienced security challenges.
The governor concluded his message by praying for the deceased, asking Almighty Allah to grant them Jannatul Firdaus and give their families, friends and colleagues strength and patience as they mourn their loved ones.
