Police in Tana River County are investigating the shooting deaths of five men in Bangale Sub-County in a suspected execution-style attack.
The incident happened at about 12:30 p.m. on Saturday near a water point in the Biyagadud area, according to a police report filed at Madogo station.
A herder who had taken his camels to drink water reportedly witnessed the attack.
“A herder who had taken his camels to water reportedly heard gunshots and saw armed men shooting at people who were lying on the ground. Fearing for his safety, he fled to Biyagadud village where he alerted village elders,” the police report stated.
The elders later proceeded to the scene and discovered the bodies of five men. Reports indicate that the victims’ hands had been tied together in pairs.
Officers from the National Police Service who visited the area identified the victims as members of the Degodia community. The deceased were named as Abdi Kullow, 33, Osman Abdi Ibrahim, 35, Mohamed Adow, 25, Siyat Jele, 40, and Saha Adan.
Police said the crime scene was processed and documented as investigations into the killings continue.
“The scene was visited and processed by police officers, and investigations into the murders are ongoing,” police said.
Efforts by officers to transfer the bodies to Garissa Level 5 Hospital Mortuary for post-mortem examinations were, however, opposed by local residents. The community opted to bury the victims in accordance with Islamic rites.
Authorities have not yet established the motive behind the killings or identified those responsible for the attack. Investigations remain ongoing.
