Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has announced intensified security operations and investigations following the deadly attack near Arabia in Mandera County that claimed six lives and left several others injured.
Speaking during the consideration of the 2026/2027 budget estimates before a parliamentary committee, Kanja said the County Security Committee in Mandera and all relevant security agencies had immediately been directed to review the incident and assess the prevailing security situation to prevent further escalation.
The attack, which occurred along the Mandera-Arabia Road near Omar Jillo Centre, has heightened tensions in the region amid concerns over insecurity and possible retaliatory violence.
Kanja told lawmakers that preliminary assessments indicated the incident was criminal in nature but warned that the situation risked evolving into a broader inter-community conflict if not handled carefully.
“It was noted that the incident was criminally related and that the situation was rapidly evolving into a broader inter-crime conflict,” Kanja said.
“Additionally, it was observed that the incident was increasingly being politicized, with some political actors allegedly exploiting the situation for political gain, a factor likely to further inflame tensions and undermine ongoing peace efforts.”
The Inspector General revealed that security agencies had already launched comprehensive investigations aimed at establishing the motive behind the attack, identifying the perpetrators and determining whether there was any external coordination or influence linked to the killings.
He further stated that robust patrols had been intensified in identified hotspots across Mandera County to reassure affected communities, enhance security presence and deter further attacks or retaliatory actions.
Kanja also disclosed that authorities had initiated consultations with political leaders, clan elders, religious leaders and community representatives from the affected areas as part of efforts to de-escalate tensions and promote dialogue and peaceful coexistence.
“Engagement with leaders from all affected sides is ongoing with the aim of promoting dialogue and preventing further escalation,” he said.
The police boss added that security agencies had strengthened coordination and information-sharing mechanisms among various units and local community structures to counter misinformation and support peace initiatives on the ground.
According to Kanja, intelligence collection and surveillance operations have also been enhanced across vulnerable areas to detect and disrupt any planned retaliatory attacks or mobilization of armed groups.
“In the meantime, all relevant government agencies have heightened security operations and sustained intelligence-led interventions, combining both enforcement and dialogue-based approaches to restore calm and maintain stability within Mandera County,” he said.
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