KRCS suspends services in Dadaab after shooting

By Cyrus Ombati

Garissa, Kenya: Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS) suspended services within Dadaab Ifo 2 East and West Refugee camps for a day Tuesday after gunmen shot and injured its staff on Monday.

The society said it will use the day to reflect on the attack and chart the way forward.

“The Society will use the day to reflect on the way forward following the attack on the driver and the paramedic along the Dagahley - Dadaab as the duo were returning to the KRCS Base Camp,” said a statement posted on the society’s website.

Two gunmen shot at a KRCS ambulance as it returned to one of the camps thus injuring two people who were on board at about 6 pm.

The ambulance had transported a woman in labour from Ifo 2 East to the maternity in Ifo 2 West when the incident happened.

Police said no arrest had been made by Tuesday but a hunt on the attackers had been launched.

The Society has been providing humanitarian services in the world's largest refugee camp for over one year, after many other organisations withdrew their services following the abduction of two MFS staff in the camp in 2011.

KRCS activities in the camps include the provision of services in health, water, sanitation, shelter, relief among other services.

Incidents of terrorism have been on the rise in the camp and entire North Eastern province since Kenyan troops crossed to Somalia to hunt terror group Al Shabaab.

The attackers have been targeting security humanitarian services officials in systematic attacks killing and injuring them.

The last incident was in mid January which six people were killed in a shooting incident in a hotel in Garissa Town.

The attack sparked protests the following day with the locals calling for protection from police.

Police in the larger North Eastern region are on high alert following reports that contingents on militants from Somalia have sneaked into the country with a mission to kill and maim.