A group of revelers narrowly escaped with minor injuries when a powerful explosion rocked a popular food joint in Mandera town on Monday.
The blast, which occurred at approximately 1 pm, targeted the Delicacy Food Hotel, a well-known establishment located near the residence of a former senior local official.
Although the explosion caused considerable damage to the hotel, those inside at the time managed to flee with only slight injuries.
While the exact cause of the explosion remains unclear, police are actively investigating the incident.
The Delicacy Food Hotel is situated in a high-risk area, close to the volatile Kenya-Somalia border, a region frequently used by al-Shabaab militants for cross-border raids and terrorist attacks. A group of revellers narrowly escaped with minor injuries when a powerful explosion rocked a popular food joint in Mandera town on Monday. The blast, which occurred at approximately 1 pm, targeted the Delicacy Food Hotel, a well-known establishment located near the residence of… pic.twitter.com/7fbjpjzNfp — Cyprian, Is Nyakundi (@C_NyaKundiH) April 7, 2025 Authorities have heightened their security operations in the area, underscoring the ongoing threat posed by the terror group.
This incident comes amid increased security measures along the border as Kenyan authorities strive to contain al-Shabaab’s activities in the region.
Just a day prior, on Sunday, April 6, a group of five chiefs who had been abducted from Elwak in early February were finally released from captivity in Jilb, Somalia.
The chiefs, Mohammed Adawa, Mohammed Hassan, Mohammed Noor, Assistant Chief Ibrahim Gabow, and Senior Chief Abdi Suraw, were freed after over two months of captivity.
Their abduction had occurred on February 3, as they were en route to a meeting in the region, just a day before President William Ruto’s visit to Mandera.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen confirmed the release, stating that the chiefs were now in the hands of Kenyan authorities and would soon be reunited with their families.
Murkomen commended the efforts of security personnel, noting that while the country faces persistent terrorism threats, security teams continue to work diligently to safeguard the lives of Kenyans, though operational details are withheld for security reasons.
The chiefs’ release follows successful negotiations led by local elders, who facilitated their handover to Garreh elders in Jilb, Somalia.
Plans are currently underway to return them to Elwak, Kenya, where they were abducted more than two months ago.