An explosion rocked Mandera town on Thursday afternoon, injuring an unknown number of people and causing widespread panic in the northeastern Kenyan region that borders Somalia. The blast occurred at around 1 p.m. at Delicacy Food Hotel, a popular eatery frequented by locals, according to police reports and eyewitness accounts.
The force of the explosion caused extensive damage to the structure, scattering debris and sending terrified residents fleeing from the area. Authorities confirmed that several people sustained injuries and were rushed to nearby medical facilities for treatment. The exact number of casualties and their conditions were not immediately disclosed.
The cause of the explosion remains under investigation. However, the incident has raised serious concerns due to its proximity to the Kenya-Somalia border — a region long plagued by insecurity and cross-border terrorist attacks attributed to the Somalia-based militant group al-Shabaab.
Al-Shabaab, which is designated as a terrorist organization by Kenya, the United States, and the United Nations, has been known to stage attacks in northeastern Kenya, often targeting security installations, transport vehicles, and public places. These incidents are part of the group’s ongoing campaign against Kenyan involvement in the African Union peacekeeping mission in Somalia.
Police officers responded swiftly to the scene, cordoning off the area and initiating a probe into the explosion. Bomb experts and forensic teams are reportedly combing the site for evidence to determine whether it was caused by an improvised explosive device (IED) or another form of attack.
This marks the latest in a series of security incidents in Mandera, a town that has remained on high alert amid government operations to deter and disrupt militant activities along the porous border.
Local leaders and residents have repeatedly called for increased security deployment and better surveillance in the region. The government, through multi-agency operations, has been attempting to stem the tide of cross-border terrorism, but challenges persist.
As investigations continue, the authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.
