By Mumo Judah, June 22, 2026
Security agencies have launched investigations into the killing of five people in Biyagadud area of Bangale Sub-county, Tana River County, in an incident that has heightened fears of renewed inter-clan conflict between the Wardei and Degodia communities.
The victims were discovered on Sunday, June 21, after a camel herder heading to a watering point heard gunshots and spotted armed men shooting at individuals lying on the ground. Fearing for his safety, he fled and alerted village elders, who later found the bodies.
Police officers investigating the killings said the victims appeared to have been executed at close range, with some having their hands tied together in pairs before being shot.
The deceased were identified as Abdi Kullow, 33, Osman Abdi Ibrahim, 35, Mohamed Adow, 25, Siyat Jele, 40, and Sahal Hile, 28. Authorities said all sustained fatal gunshot wounds to the head and face.
Residents resisted efforts by police to transfer the bodies to Garissa Level Five Hospital mortuary, opting instead to bury the victims immediately in accordance with Islamic traditions.
The killings came barely a day after a violent mob stormed Bangale Police Station and freed a Wardei youth leader who had been arrested earlier by detectives.
Police said officers had recovered Sh340,000 from the suspect’s residence, which investigators believe formed part of a Sh1 million fund allegedly intended to mobilize youths for attacks against members of the Degodia community.
The crowd, estimated at about 300 people, overpowered officers and damaged several police vehicles before being dispersed by officers from the Rapid Deployment Unit.
Coast Regional Police Commander Ali Nuno said specialized teams have been deployed to investigate both the police station raid and the killings.
He said authorities are pursuing individuals suspected of orchestrating the violence and warned that those found responsible would face the full force of the law.
Additional multi-agency security personnel have since been deployed to Bangale and surrounding areas to prevent retaliatory attacks and secure the Mwingi-Garissa highway as well as key trading centres.
Authorities have appealed for calm as investigations continue, warning residents against taking the law into their own hands amid growing tensions in the area.
