Father and son die in Mandera Al-Shabab attack

According to police reports, a father and his son died instantly while driving in their land cruiser heading to Elwak and three others Injured.

A father and his son have died after an Al-Shabab attack at Jabibar village along Rhamo-Elwak road in Mandera county on December 11 morning.

While confirming the incident, County Commissioner Onesmus Kyatha, said the two were killed while traveling in a land cruiser heading to Wajir county.

"A land Cruiser was ambushed by suspected Al-Shabab militants between Jabibar and Bambo villages on its way to Wajir. Unfortunately, two occupants died on the spot," said Kyatha on the phone.

According to eyewitnesses, the deceased's heads were blown off, an indication they were sprayed with bullets at a close range.

"We suspect the father and his son were shot in the head at a close range," a source said.

Ali Abdi Baricha, 38 years was resuming at his workstation in Wajir after a two-week break.

"The deceased was helping his sickly mother at her home in Rhamo after he took leave off from his workstation in Wajir," one of Baricha's relatives said.

Mr Abdi was an engineer at Kenya Rural Roads Authority for close to twelve years

His son was among the class eight candidates who sat for the just-concluded KCPE exams.

In the same incident, two National police reservists who were aboard the land cruiser have injured.

The two police officers had hitched a ride with Baricha and were headed to Bambo location from Jabibar Village.

According to police reports, the officers engaged the gunmen in a fierce battle at Toosi Jaay sub-village before being overpowered, forcing them to retreat.

They narrowly escaped with injuries.

The NPR officers are receiving treatment at Mandera County Referral Hospital.

Member of Parliament for Lafey Constituency Mohamed Abdiker has applauded special forces officers stationed in the area who are in pursuit of the attackers.

"We would like to thank our special forces who joined for reinforcement, secured the area and are currently in pursuit of the terrorists", he said on his social media platform.