Seven killed, 13 injured after explosive blows up vehicle in Kenya

At least seven people have been killed and 13 others injured after a matatu (vehicle) they were travelling in ran over an improvised explosive device (IED) in Mandera, northern Kenya, on Monday morning.

The 14-seater public service vehicle plying the Mandera Arabia road had left the Arabia township at about 6 am before running over the explosive less than 8 kilometres to Mandera town at around 7 am.

“I boarded the matatu at Arabia township ready for Mandera town where I operate a shop. We were just about to get to the tarmac road when the worst happened,” said Mr. Abdi Dube, a survivor.

According to Mr. Dube, they heard gunshots before their matatu was blown up.

County Director of Health Services Abdi Maalim said the Mandera County Referral Hospital received seven bodies from the scene and 13 injured patients, with four in critical condition.

The thirteen injured patients “are receiving treatment at the moment,” he said.

One suspect has been arrested in connection with the explosion.

Confirming the arrest, North Eastern regional police boss Bunei Rono said the unnamed individual was being questioned by detectives.

According to the police, the attack was carried out by a gang of six.

“A GSU patrol team which was on foot and close to the area responded immediately,” states a police report seen by the Nation.

A similar incident happened in the same location in March 2021, when a bus ran over an IED killing several people.