A 35-year-old man sustained serious injuries, including the loss of his right wrist, after a suspected improvised explosive device (IED) exploded in Mandera East on Friday evening.
The man, identified as Adan Mohamed, was injured after the device allegedly exploded while he was in the Bula Buruburu area at around 6:30pm.
According to a police report, Mohamed was suspected to have been carrying the explosive device when it went off, causing severe injuries.
The explosion attracted the attention of security officers who quickly responded to the scene.
Officers from the Kenya Police Service, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the General Service Unit (GSU), and National Police Reservists (NPRs) arrived at the area to assess the situation and begin investigations.
During their response, officers recovered items believed to be important in helping establish what happened before the explosion.
A TECNO mobile phone and a piece of metallic material were found at the scene and taken for further examination.
Mohamed was rushed to Mandera Teaching and Referral Hospital, where he is currently receiving medical attention. His condition and the extent of his other injuries have not been fully disclosed, but police confirmed that he suffered serious harm from the blast.
The Counter-Terrorism Bureau in Mandera has taken over investigations into the incident as authorities work to determine the circumstances surrounding the explosion.
Investigators are also seeking to establish the nature of the suspected explosive device and how it came to be in Mohamed’s possession.
Security agencies in the region have continued to monitor incidents involving suspected explosive devices due to previous security challenges linked to such materials. The ongoing investigations are expected to provide more details on whether the incident was accidental or connected to any wider security concerns.
Authorities have not released further information on whether any other individuals were involved or whether there are additional suspects being pursued. Police are continuing with their inquiries as Mohamed receives treatment at the hospital.
