Elwak residents on edge after deadly cross-border attack in Mandera

Residents of Elwak in Mandera County remained on edge on Monday following a cross-border attack that left members of a pastoralist family dead and several others injured, prompting renewed calls for stronger security measures along the Kenya-Somalia border.

The attack occurred in the early hours of Monday in the Elgolisha area near Elwak, where suspected armed militia are reported to have crossed into Kenya from neighbouring Somalia before targeting a family while they were asleep.

According to local reports, the attackers stormed the family's homestead and opened an assault that resulted in the death of the father at the scene. His wife and children sustained serious injuries during the incident and were later rushed to Elwak Level 4 Hospital for treatment.

The attack has heightened concerns among residents living along the porous border, where communities have in the past faced security threats linked to armed groups operating across the frontier.

Mandera South Member of Parliament Abdul Haro condemned the killings and called on security agencies to take immediate action against those responsible.

In a statement issued on Monday, the legislator described the incident as a tragic loss of innocent lives and expressed condolences to the affected families and the wider community.

“It is with profound grief and deep shock that I address the brutal and senseless killing of innocent civilians in Elwak, Somalia, yesterday and at Qabanawa this morning,” Abdul Haro said.

The MP said the killings represented an attack on the victims, their families and the wider community, adding that there could be no justification for taking innocent lives.

He further condemned the violence and urged authorities to move swiftly to restore security in the area and bring those behind the attack to justice.

Abdul called on relevant security agencies to increase security operations in Elwak and surrounding areas, saying those responsible should be apprehended and prosecuted in accordance with the law.

"To the bereaved families: your pain is immeasurable, and your loss is felt by all of us. I extend my deepest and most heartfelt condolences. You are not alone," he said.

The legislator also appealed to residents to remain calm despite the shock caused by the killings, warning against actions that could fuel further tension within the community.

He urged members of the public to stand together and reject attempts by perpetrators to create fear and division, saying unity would be essential in overcoming the challenges facing the region.

Abdul further called on community elders and religious leaders to play an active role in promoting peace and supporting efforts aimed at restoring stability and security.

The attack comes amid ongoing concerns over insecurity along sections of the Kenya-Somalia border, where cross-border incursions have periodically affected local communities.