Terror In Mandera As Gunmen Ambush Matatu, Kill 6 Passengers
At least six people have been confirmed dead following an armed attack on a public service vehicle (PSV) in the Beer Awayon area along the route to Arabia village in Lafey Constituency, Mandera County, on Saturday, May 9.
The victims were members of a family travelling from Mandera town to attend an annual Quran recitation gathering when gunmen ambushed their vehicle and opened fire.
Several other passengers sustained injuries during the attack, with local response teams heading to the scene as authorities begin investigations into the incident.
Lafey Constituency Member of Parliament Mohamed Abdikheir confirmed the attack, expressing sorrow over the loss of lives and calling for urgent action to bring those responsible to justice.
Preliminary reports indicate that the vehicle had left Mandera town on Saturday morning, May 9, 2026, heading to Arabia town when it came under attack by suspected gunmen.
— Radio Generation (@RadioGenKe) May 9, 2026
Security agencies have launched investigations into the incident as efforts continue to assist the injured… pic.twitter.com/GJiscbo0ap
“It is with profound sadness that I extend my deepest condolences to the families, friends, and loved ones of the six innocent travellers on a mini-bus who were brutally killed by unknown gunmen on the outskirts of Arabia,” he said.
“My prayers to the injured, who are fighting for recovery amid this senseless violence. I strongly condemn this barbaric act of cowardice, which has robbed lives.”
Abdikheir has called upon the investigative agencies to move with speed and ensure that the perpetrators of the incident are brought to book.
“Such atrocities have no place in our modern society. I urge the government to launch a swift, thorough investigation and bring the perpetrators to justice, and enhance security measures to prevent future tragedies.”
While police are yet to issue a formal statement following the attack, local reports suggest that five people have sustained injuries from the incident.
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At the same time, an unknown number of individuals are yet to be accounted for.
The vehicle was reportedly targeted a few kilometres from Arabia town, in what is suspected to be a coordinated attack.
As of the time of publishing this story, no group had claimed responsibility for the attack.
Images and videos shared online showed a 14-seater matatu with visible bullet holes and blood stains from the victims.
Crowds of concerned residents have gathered at Arabia Sub-County Hospital, where the injured are receiving treatment and close medical attention.
Terror In Mandera As Gunmen Ambush Matatu, Kill 6 Passengers
