Tragedy struck Elwak Town in Mandera County in the early hours of Monday, April 29, 2024, after an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) detonated, leaving an undisclosed number of people injured and dead.
Witnesses at the scene reported seeing several motionless bodies in the aftermath of the explosion, which occurred opposite a local Administration Police (AP) camp.
While eyewitness accounts suggested at least five casualties, local law enforcement officials were unable to confirm the exact number of victims.
The targeted area, home to a diverse community of non-local residents including teachers, nurses, casual laborers, and police officers, was deeply affected by the blast.
Equally impacted was the local branch of Equity Bank, which promptly suspended operations following the incident.
In a message shared on social media, Equity Bank informed its patrons of the closure.
"Dear Esteemed Members, We regret to inform you that our Elwak Branch, Mandera County, will remain closed today following an explosion in Elwak Town. We confirm that our branch and the staff in Elwak are safe. However, as the security agencies continue with investigations," the bank said in a statement on X.
As authorities work to unravel the circumstances surrounding the explosion and assess its full impact, the community remains gripped by shock and uncertainty, grappling with the aftermath of this tragic event.
Al Shabaab
Northern Kenya has been plagued by sporadic attacks perpetrated by the militant group Al Shabaab, which operates primarily from neighbouring Somalia.
The attacks by the terror group have targeted both civilians and security forces and have resulted in loss of life, injuries, and significant disruption to daily life in the affected areas.
These attacks have targeted places such as villages, hotels, and security checkpoints, aiming to instil fear and undermine the government's authority in the region.
Some of the areas most affected include Mandera, Garissa and Wajir counties.
Al Shabaab attacks in northern Kenya are prevalent because of the region's proximity to Somalia and the porous nature of the border between the two countries.
The proximity allows the group to carry out attacks and then retreat back across the border into Somalia, making it challenging for Kenyan security forces to prevent such incidents.
