A tragic incident has occurred at the Kenya–Somalia border in Mandera Town, claiming the life of a 44-year-old woman and leaving her young daughter critically injured. The explosion happened on the evening of August 14 when the woman stepped on a suspected explosive remnant of war.
According to reports, the device had landed roughly 100 meters from the main border after being launched from Bulahawa, Somalia, where fierce clashes are ongoing between rival security forces seeking control of the area. The volatile situation has heightened fears of violence spilling over into Kenya, prompting increased vigilance among border security personnel.
Witness accounts indicate that the blast dismembered the woman’s right leg and caused severe abdominal injuries, leading to her death at the scene. Her 11-year-old daughter suffered serious injuries to both legs and was rushed to a nearby hospital in critical condition.
The grieving family has demanded justice, calling for a thorough investigation into how the explosive ended up in the area and why civilians continue to face such risks. Local residents say the body of the deceased and the injured child were quickly evacuated, but security challenges delayed the revisiting of the blast site.
The conflict across the border in Somalia is intensifying, with battles centred around the strategic town of Bulahawa in the Gedo region. Fighting between federal troops and forces loyal to Jubaland President Ahmed Madobe has been escalating, deepening the rift between Mogadishu and the semi-autonomous Jubaland administration.
Authorities warn that the continued hostilities are not only destabilising the region but also endangering lives on both sides of the border. There are fears of more casualties in Somalia, as the clashes show no signs of abating despite ongoing diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions.
In response, Kenyan security forces have stepped up patrols and surveillance along the border to safeguard communities and prevent any armed spillover. Sporadic gunfire and explosions have been reported just a few kilometres from the main crossing point, keeping residents on edge.
The incident serves as a grim reminder of the dangers faced by border communities caught in the crossfire of regional conflicts, where the remnants of war continue to claim innocent lives.
