Six Killed, Three Injured in Suspected Militia Attack Along Mandera-Arabia Road

The National Police Service has confirmed that six people were killed and three others seriously injured following a suspected militia attack along the Mandera-Arabia Road in Mandera County.

In a statement issued on May 9, 2026, National Police Service spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga said the attack occurred near Omar Jillo Centre when a Nissan matatu hired to transport family members to Arabia Town came under indiscriminate gunfire from suspected militia members.

According to the police, the vehicle, registration number KAQ 914S, was ambushed shortly after passing the Omar Jillo Centre along the busy road linking Mandera and Arabia.

“The National Police Service wishes to inform the public of a heinous attack carried out by suspected militia earlier today,” the statement read.

Police said a multi-agency security team responded immediately after receiving distress calls from the area and facilitated the evacuation of victims to Arabia Sub-County Level Four Hospital.

However, six victims were pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital, while three others sustained serious injuries. The injured were later stabilised and transferred to Mandera County Referral Hospital for specialised treatment.

The police service extended condolences to the families and friends of those killed and wished the injured a quick recovery.

“The National Police Service extends its deepest condolences to the families, friends, and loved ones of the deceased. We pray for a full and speedy recovery for the injured, who remain under medical care,” Nyaga said.

Security agencies said a joint operation involving specialised units has since been launched in the area to pursue those behind the attack.

“A multi-agency team, including specialised units, remains actively deployed in the area, where a comprehensive search and pursuit operation is underway with the sole aim of hunting down the perpetrators,” the statement added.

Authorities urged members of the public with information that may aid investigations to report to the nearest police station or use toll-free emergency numbers 999 and 911.

Citizens were also encouraged to provide anonymous information through the #FichuaKwaDCI platform.

The National Police Service further assured residents of Mandera and the country that security agencies remain committed to protecting lives and property despite the latest attack.

“We will not be cowed by such cowardly acts of violence,” the police said, adding that further updates would be issued as investigations and security operations continue.