NAIROBI, Kenya, Jan 18 – A police officer was killed Thursday after an explosive concealed in a donkey cart exploded in Mandera.
According to police, two other officers were injured during the incident as two donkeys were crossing with luggage from Somalia side with a guide.
Security agents manning the border had stopped donkey cart for a routine inspection for contraband items when the bomb went off.
The donkeys survived the explosion.
It is believed the bomb might have been remotely detonated by suspected members of the Al-Qaeda affiliated terrorist outfit, Al-Shabaab.
Mandera which borders Somalia is among the counties in the Northern region that has borne the brunt of terrorist attacks.
Other counties that have come under Al-Shabaab attacks including the neighboring Garissa and Wajir Counties.
The vast and porous border has made it easier for the Al-Shabaab militants to cross from Somalia into the country to stage attacks in areas adjacent to the border.
On July 5 last year, the government temporarily suspended its plans to reopen Kenya-Somalia border points following a surge in terrorist attacks in the Northern region.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki stated that the government will only consider reopening the borders once they have effectively addressed the issue of cross-border crimes and terrorism that has plagued the area.
He pointed out that despite the setback, both governments remain committed to reopening the border to improve cross-border trade and co-operation.
