Six people have been confirmed dead and others nursing serious gunshot injuries following an attack by unknown assailiants near Kenya-Somalia border.
The attack took place at Dhobley area. The victims, Mali-Mali’ traders from Meru were attacked and killed by the assailiants at the border town.
Confirming the incident, Athwana MCA Hon Jim Muchui said the victims hailed from Tigania West (four from Akithii, two from Athwana) and were involved in Malimali businesses in the town.
Police have launched a search for the attackers believed to be Al-Shabaab militants. More security personnel have been deployed to the border area to enhance security.
The attack raises the death toll over the last few months to more than twenty people; including soldiers, police reservists and civilians.
Al-Shabaab has in the past targeted Kenya, but a coordinated operation at the border and inside neighboring Somalia had led to fewer attacks until recently. Few months ago, President William Ruto said that there is need to withdraw Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) troops from Somalia.