Al-Shabaab militants on Sunday claimed responsibility in the deadly explosion in Wajir that left at least seven police officers dead, two critically injured and another two missing.
The landmine explosion took place three days after four Al-Shabaab militants were killed on spot while planting explosives in Lamu County along Kenya-Somalia border.
According to RTN Somali TV, a station based in Nairobi which broadcasts in Somali language, the Al-Shabaab militants have since claimed responsibility in the lastest attack on Kenyan soil.
"Al-Shabaab claims responsibility for Wajir attack, says it captured two Kenya police officers," the station said in a tweet without giving further details.
Wajir County Commissioner Loyford Kibaara, who was speaking at Wajir County Referral Hospital, said the incident happened in Wajir East Sub County.
“We have received seven bodies of our officers who died in an Improvised Explosive Device attack today (Saturday) morning at around 10.50am,” he said as quoted by the Nation.
“The officers were on a routine patrol when the unfortunate incident happened, two officers survived the attack and are being treated at Wajir County Referral Hospital while two others are still missing,” he said.
The officers were also pursuing militants who had abducted three NPRs on Friday and were said to be on the run. Possibly, the explosives were planted after the abduction.
"Three members of Kenya Police Reserves known as the “Home Guard” have been abducted from their homes by suspected Al-Shabaab militants - sources. The incident happened last night in Qorof Harer village in Wajir County according to sources," Harun Maruf tweeted.