Five dead after IED explosion in Mandera

Five people were confirmed dead after an improvised explosive device (IED) detonated at the centre of Elwak town, Mandera County on Monday.

Elwak police commander Samuel Mutunga said a probe is underway into the mid-morning attack suspected to have been orchestrated by al-Shabaab militants.

He said two people died on the spot while the rest died in hospital.

There were fears the number of fatalities would rise, per an afternoon statement by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki, who said five people sustained life-threatening injuries.

“The bomb unleashed by the criminals was laden on a donkey cart to avoid detection. The crime scene has been sealed off for evacuation and investigations while various security formations are in pursuit of the attackers,” Kindiki said.

The attack occurred at a residential premise housing non-locals working in the area including teachers, nurses and police officers, according to the area residents.

The premise is located less than a hundred metres opposite the Elwak Administration Police (AP) camp.

Equity Bank in the morning announced the suspension of operations at the Elwak branch following the explosion. The lender however said its branch staff were safe.