Travellers to Mandera stranded due to lack of buses

Mandera, Kenya: Passengers planning to travel from Nairobi to Mandera County were on Sunday forced to postpone their journey due to lack of buses.

"No bus left for Mandera on Sunday because our vehicles were in the garage. The bus will leave on Monday morning to Mandera," said a company official who sought anonymity.

Some of the passengers also expressed their fear, saying that they might be risking their lives.

"I want to travel to Mandera but I fear putting my life in danger. The tension is high following Saturday's incident," said Saadia Mohamed.

On Saturday morning attackers ambushed a Nairobi-bound bus and killed 28 passengers in Arabia town, Mandera County. Among them were 19 men and 9 women. Alshabaab later claimed responsibility for the attack.

Passengers killed in Saturday's attack are said to be non-Muslims. Witnesses say that the attackers separated Muslims and non-Muslims killing the non-Muslims who are identified as crusaders by Al shabaab Militia.

Twenty-four out of the 28 victims were teachers who were heading to their homes after closing schools to celebrate December holidays with their families.

A teacher in Mandera who is used to the route expressed his disappointment, saying that such attacks will affect learning in the area.

"I lost many friends and colleagues in the attack. Such attacks will discourage children from going to school," said Ibrahim Isaac who is currently residing in Eastleigh.

The travelers are calling on the government to intervene on the matter and put a stop to the rising insecurity menace in the country.

Ahmed Adan, who comes from Mandera, said that insecurity in the country is getting worse by the day.

"As per now, the tension is high because the situation is getting worse. We request the government to bring long term solution into security matters," he said.

Eastleigh residents were complaining that police were harassing them on Saturday night hours after the Mandera bus was attacked.

However, business at the Garissa booking office was normal. Passengers were buying tickets and bringing parcels for delivery.

A Garissa passenger who identified himself as Peter said that he does not fear traveling.

"Insecurity has been rampant in our country nowadays. The attackers attacked a bus. I don't expect them to attack a bus again. They'll target somewhere else," said Peter.