Terrorism threatens stability

Mandera,Kenya: Only one challenge keeps Mandera Governor Ali Roba constantly on his feet, as he tries to steer development in the county. It is terrorism and general insecurity in the area.

"Security! Security! Security!," said the governor when asked what has been most outstanding challenging in the two years.

Mandera has experienced recurrent attacks from the Somalia militia group al-Shaabab which have left over 70 people dead and scores injured.

In November, al-Shabaab fighters waylaid a bus near Mandera, singled out non-Muslims and shot dead 28. 22 of those killed were teachers.

Ten days later, al-Shabaab killed 36 at Koromei quarry workers who are said to have hailed from Chaka in Kiganjo, Nyeri County.

Roba has escaped death twice after his convoy was attacked by al-Shabaab militants. In October last year, his bodyguard was injured in an attack on his motorcade.