Four people injured in Mandera after they were hit by stray bullets from Somalia
North Eastern
By
Ibrahim Ali
| Jul 26, 2025
Four people have been seriously injured after being hit by stray bullets from Belet Hawa, a town in neighbouring Somalia, during a fierce exchange of fire between the Somalia National Army (SNA) and Jubbaland Special Forces.
According to Mandera County Commissioner Henry Ochako, the civilians were struck by live bullets that crossed into Kenya after missing their intended targets in Somalia.
“Four of our people were hurt in an unfortunate turn of events after they were hit by stray bullets from Somalia’s side following a fire exchange between SNA and Jubbaland Special Forces in the neighbouring town of Belet Hawa,” Ochako said.
He added that the random shots fired during the clashes between the two Somali forces crossed the border and landed on Kenyan soil, hitting innocent residents.
Mandera’s border regions, which host a number of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) who had fled violence along the Kenya–Somalia border, remain tense.
READ MORE
Developers, banks eye sweet spot in residential market
Broke Treasury speeds up KPC sale in bid to raise Sh100b
How global decor trends are transforming Kenyan homes
Warehouse receipt system to transform agriculture with a new strategic plan
Likoni channel gridlock leaves cargo owners counting losses
Kenyan exporters to access China duty-free after deal
Shelter Afrique secures Sh15.5b loan to boost capitalisation programme
Nakuru's old estates that share a name but with contrasting lives
The county commissioner said the government has set up several IDP camps and is providing emergency relief food to assist those affected by the flare-up.
“We have established several IDP camps equipped with food aid to support displaced families from the Somalia-border locations during the ongoing confrontation in Belet Hawa,” said Ochako.
Mandera Deputy Governor Ali Maalim Mohamud said the county government has activated its emergency response team to assist and evacuate vulnerable people, including the elderly, persons with disabilities, women, and children, from the border peripheries to safer areas in town.
“We have activated our emergency response department to provide all necessary support to our people along the border and evacuate those most at risk,” said Maalim, adding that medics are on standby to provide healthcare services to those injured in the crossfire.
The fighting between the SNA and Jubbaland forces is reportedly rooted in a long-standing political dispute over control of Gedo region, pitting Somalia’s federal government against the Jubbaland administration.
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has had a prolonged political standoff with Ahmed Mohamed Islam (Madobe), the leader of Jubbaland State.
Three Killed in Pasture Clashes in Mandera West
In a separate incident, three people were killed and livestock stolen during a violent conflict between pastoralist communities in Mandera West and Ashabito sub-counties over pasture and water.
Commissioner Ochako confirmed the deaths and said calm has since been restored through the intervention of local leaders.
“Four people have died in the past week after two communities clashed over grazing land and water. We have restored normalcy in the affected areas, and all stolen livestock have been recovered and returned to their owners,” he said.
The government has urged residents to embrace peaceful conflict resolution and pledged to enhance security patrols in the affected areas.