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Two killed by unknown gunmen in northeast Kenya

Xinhua, June 7, 2015 Adjust font size:

Kenyan authorities said Sunday they have launched investigations into the death of two people who were shot dead Saturday night by unknown gunmen in Wajir town in northeast region.

Wajir County Police Commander Samuel Mukinda said the woman and man were shot at separate places in their homes, but simultaneously in the clash-hit region which has experienced increased attacks in the recent past. Mukinda said a third person is admitted in hospital with serious wounds.

"We have not arrested any suspect so far, but witnesses say the gunmen stormed into the private compounds and opened fire before escaping without stealing anything from them," said Mukinda.

"We do not know who they were for now, but efforts to get them and know the motive are all ongoing," the local police commander said of the area, which has been facing cases of attacks in the past days linked to terrorists.

The Somalia-based military group Al-Shabaab has carried out series of deadly attacks in northern Kenya and other towns, including the capital city of Nairobi since the East African country sent its military into Somalia in 2011 to subdue the Al- Qaida inspired group.

The authorities have launched a sting operation in the region beginning with Garissa County to pacify it from terror gangs that have led to its insecurity. The security operation on Saturday resulted in the arrest of three high profile terror suspects in Garissa county.

More than 600 new police officers from the region have been deployed in parts of Garissa, Mandera and Wajir counties to address the menace amid cries the region's economy is badly affected. And over 300 police reservists are to be recruited to help in policing northern region from the Al-Shabaab terror gang. Endi