Kenya Defence Forces bomb experts arrive at the scene where 14 people were killed and 11 others injured in Soko Mbuzi, Mandera Town on July 7, 2015. FILE PHOTO | NATION MEDIA GROUP

Mandera Council of Elders have asked the government to step up security in the county over recent attacks.

The elders condemned the Tuesday attack by suspected Al-Shabaab militants that left 14 people dead and 11 others injured.

They called on the government to increase patrols in the town.

In statement read by Mandera Township Ward Representative Feisal Abdinoor, the elders from five Somali clans in Mandera blamed the county security team over the attacks.

“It is evident that the increased terror attacks in Mandera are an indication of laxity and lack of proper surveillance and networking among the security forces,” said Mr Abdinoor.

They disputed reports that the Tuesday attack was carried out by family members of a woman who was raped and murdered at the Mandera market.

“The attack has nothing to do with the woman’s death. The reports are only intended to divert attention.

“We also dispute the statement by Interior Cabinet Secretary who said locals did not pass any information to the police. Indeed the information about the attack, including the kind of weapons the attackers were seen carrying, was relayed to the security team on time but no action was taken,” Mr Abdinoor added.

AL-SHABAAB

Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph Nkaissery on Tuesday said the government did not have information that the attack was to take place.

“The attackers used an entry point less than 400 meters from Rapid Deployment Unit police unit and carried out the attack 200 meters from the Kenya Defence Force Camp. The security personnel are sending a signal that the people of Mandera should fight sophisticated weapons with sticks,” Mr Abdinoor said.

The leaders said the threat by Al-Shabaab has driven investors away from the northeastern region.

“This year alone there have been many attacks in Mandera and we are seeing no action taken accept being blamed of not giving information to security agents,” Mr Yusuf Ibrahim, an elder, said.

The elders also accused Interior Principal Secretary Monica Juma of ignoring their role in security matters in the county. They said she only met the county’s security team.

“The PS only met the Regional Coordinator and county security team at the military camp. This is was an indication that she believes Mandera town is not a safe place to be. Ms Juma should have met the elders for consultations,” he said.