The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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Authorities have identified the five quarry workers who were killed in a terrorist attack by suspected al-Shabaab militants in Mandera.
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Their families have been notified, and the victims’ bodies were flown to Nairobi for preservation and further procedures.
The incident occurred on the morning of Tuesday, April 29, as the victims were en route to work at a quarry in Bur Abor Village, Mandera East. Police reported that the group, traveling in a matatu without security escort—contrary to standard protocol—was ambushed.
Those killed have been named as Mbaabu Karuma, Stephen Mambo, Evas Simiyu, Bernard Masika, and George Kilobi. All were non-local workers employed in the stone quarry sector. The matatu’s driver and his assistant were taken into custody for questioning, as they reportedly failed to bring along the required security escort.
The attackers are believed to be al-Shabaab militants who had recently been spotted in the area. Investigators recovered 39 spent cartridges of 7.62mm ammunition and two live rounds at the scene.
Two workers sustained injuries: Joseph Nduati, who suffered a gunshot wound to his arm and soft tissue damage, and Peter Maina, who reported general body pain. Thirteen others who fled the attack were later found safe after hiding in nearby bushland.
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Witnesses said the attackers used stones to block the road before ambushing the vehicle, then forced the workers to lie down and shot them at close range. Blood stains were found marking where the victims fell.
Quarry workers in Mandera typically stay overnight in town for safety and are transported to work sites during the day. Most quarries are staffed by non-local laborers.
Following the attack, heavily armed security teams responded but found the perpetrators had already escaped. Reinforcements have since been deployed to the area, and a manhunt is underway.
The incident has heightened fear in the region, as concerns grow over a possible alliance between al-Shabaab and Yemen’s Ansar Allah (Houthi) rebels.
Authorities believe the relationship may be based on mutual need—al-Shabaab requires weapons while the Houthis seek funding—raising the threat of destabilization across the Horn of Africa and Red Sea region.
