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Six Kenyan traders killed in Dhobley, Somalia

Al-Shabaab militia photographed in a televised address. (Photo: CFR)

By Issa Hussein | 29 Mar 2024

Kenyan authorities have already reached out to their Somalia counterparts to fast-track the case.

Suspected Al-Shabaab militants have killed six Kenyan traders in Dhobley, Somalia.

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

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

Mwabudzo mentioned 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 as 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 postmortem and other detailed analysis.

The incident underscores the persistent security challenges faced in the North Eastern and Somalia regions.