6 killed after gunmen ambush a matatu in Mandera
By Kenneth Mwenda, May 9, 2026Six people have died after armed attackers ambushed a passenger mini-bus travelling along the Mandera–Arabia road in Mandera County, opening fire on the vehicle in a roadside attack that also left several others injured.
The attack happened on Saturday, May 9, 2026, in the Beer-Awayon area in Mandera East, a few kilometres before Arabia town. The minibus was travelling from Mandera town towards Arabia when armed men ambushed it.
Emergency teams later arrived at the scene and confirmed six people had died on the spot. The injured passengers were rushed to nearby health facilities for treatment. Authorities have not yet released the identities of the victims, and some of the injured remain under medical care.
The victims were reportedly from the same family and were travelling from Mandera town to attend an annual Qur’an recitation gathering when their vehicle was attacked by armed men.
Mandera County Police Commander Robinson Ndiwa confirmed that four people remain missing following the incident. Authorities suspect the ambush may have been premeditated, although no group had claimed responsibility at the time of reporting.
Security officers secured the area and launched investigations into the incident. They are yet to establish who carried out the attack or what motivated it.
The incident has caused fear among residents who rely on the route for travel between Mandera and surrounding towns. Some locals said attacks along the road have made movement unsafe and called for stronger security presence, especially in remote stretches.
MP condemns deadly attack
Lafey Constituency Member of Parliament Mohamed Abdikheir confirmed the incident in a Facebook post on Saturday, May 9, 2026, and expressed sorrow over the deaths. He described the victims as innocent travellers whose lives were cut short in a violent attack.
“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 in the outskirts of Arabia,” he said.
He added that he was praying for those who survived but remain in hospital after the attack.
“My prayers are with the injured, who are fighting for recovery amid this senseless violence,” he said.
Abdikheir strongly condemned the killings and called on authorities to take action against those responsible. He said the attack showed disregard for human life and should not be allowed to happen again.
“I strongly condemn this barbaric act of cowardice, which has robbed lives. Such atrocities have no place in our modern society,” he added.
The MP urged the government to act quickly, investigate the attack thoroughly, and ensure those behind it are brought to justice. He also called for improved security operations in the region to protect civilians using public transport.
“I urge the government to launch a swift, thorough investigation and bring the perpetrators to justice, and enhance security measures to prevent future tragedies,” he said.