Governor Ali Roba survives Mandera explosion

Mandera Governor Ali Roba whose convoy was hit by an explosive device in Mandera Town. (Photo:File/Standard)

Mandera Governor Ali Roba Wednesday survived an explosion that was caused by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) which hit his convoy as he was being driven to office.

One of his bodyguards was injured and one vehicle damaged in the incident that happened at about 8.40am. Police at the scene said the IED had been planted on the roadside and timed to hit the convoy at Rhamu bus stop.

Witnesses said the blast was loud and it caused huge damage on one of the governor’s vehicles. The bodyguard was injured in the hand and rushed to the local hospital.

It is not clear who was behind the incident. Local police declined to comment on record. They however said the blast was targeting the governor.

Kenya Redcross said two people had been injured in the incident.

When contacted on phone, Roba said he could not comment on the issue for now.

The blast is the latest in a series that have happened in the area. Most of the blasts are rarely solved and are pending before police. On Sunday, there was panic at the local police station when a police vehicle caught fire and burst into flames. Police later explained the incident was caused by electrical fault in the vehicle.

The situation in the county has been complicated by the ongoing clashes between Garreh and Degodia clans in the area. More than 50 people have been killed and several displaced in the clashes and so far efforts are ongoing to contain the situation.