Somalia Returns Rifles Seized from Slain Kenyan Police Officer

Somalia has returned two rifles to Kenyan authorities that were seized from a slain police officer during an ambush. The rifles were handed over with ammunition missing. The attack, which left one officer dead, is believed to be linked to the arrest of terror suspects. Investigations are ongoing and a manhunt has been launched for the attackers.

Authorities in Somalia have returned two rifles that were seized from a fallen Kenyan police officer during an attack at a security post near the Kenya-Somalia border in Mandera County. The weapons, a G3 rifle and an AK47, were handed to the Mandera security team on Saturday morning. However, it is noteworthy that some ammunition was missing; of the original 90 bullets, only 10 were returned.

The handover took place shortly after an ambush by approximately 20 armed men on March 14, targeting five officers from the Border Police Unit. During this encounter, Constable Dennis Omari was tragically killed, while another officer suffered a gunshot wound and is currently receiving treatment at Mandera Referral Hospital, subsequently needing to be airlifted to Nairobi for further care.

Reports indicate that the attackers, suspected to be rogue members from a Somali security agency, managed to seize the slain officer’s G3 rifle, which contained 60 bullets, along with an AK47 carrying 30 bullets, before fleeing the scene. Preliminary investigations suggest that the assault may have been revenge-driven, possibly linked to the arrest of terror suspects in connection with a failed abduction of Chinese workers in Mandera.

Police suspect that the ambush was coordinated by a relative of one of the arrested individuals, who allegedly works at the security agency involved. In response to the incident, senior police officials visited the attack site as part of their investigation. Kenyan authorities have called for the arrest of those responsible and the recovery of the firearms.

Following these demands, Somali officials communicated the recovery of the rifles to their Kenyan counterparts. However, the individuals believed to have orchestrated the attack remain unapprehended. Reports indicate that Somalia’s military has initiated a manhunt to locate those involved in the incident.

In conclusion, the return of the rifles from Somalia to Kenya marks a significant step following a violent ambush on Kenyan police officers. The incident, which resulted in the death of Constable Dennis Omari and injuries to another officer, highlights ongoing security concerns at the border. As investigations continue, Kenyan authorities pursue accountability for the attack and seek to ensure safety in the region.

Original Source: www.the-star.co.ke