Bodies of six traders killed in Somalia airlifted to Kenya

The remains of six Kenyan traders who were killed by suspected Al-Shabaab militants at Dhobley town in Somalia on Friday have been airlifted to Kenya.

According to a police report, the bodies of the six traders believed to be from the Meru region were transported to Isiolo County by a helicopter belonging to the Kenya Defence Forces.

"Today, March 30, 2024, at around 0940 hrs, a Kenya Air Force helicopter airlifted the bodies from Atmis Dhobley, Somalia, to Isiolo. The same has been confirmed to have landed in Isiolo through cellphone conversation,” a police report read in part.

The assailants, riding in a Probox with their faces concealed, opened fire indiscriminately at the traders who had crossed the border to hawk plastic utensils.

Speaking to the Eastleigh Voice, Garissa County Commissioner Mohamed Mwabudzo said three traders died on the spot while the others passed away while undergoing treatment at a health centre in Dhobley.

Mwabudzo noted that the motive of the attack was yet to be established, but investigations were already underway, with police seeking to establish whether the assailants had links with the militia group.

Kenyan authorities, he added, had already reached out to their Somalia counterparts to work together and fast-track the case.

“We have so many skilled labourers doing construction work and other jobs. We are yet to establish whether this attack is a result of business rivalry or terror-related," stated Mwabodza.

Garissa County Police Commander John Samburumo further condemned the attack and vowed to take stern action against the assailants.

"The suspects fled immediately after the 7:15 am incident. We urge Kenyan traders in the area to remain vigilant."

Plans are underway to transport the victims' bodies to the neighbouring Garissa town for a postmortem and other detailed analysis.