There was drama in Kutulo, Mandera County on Sunday after angry locals faced off with militants from the Somali based Al-Shabaab terror group who had raided the area.
According to the police, the group of three raided a construction site searching for non-locals but were late as the group had already been warned to vacate the area.
The incident was confirmed by North Eastern Regional Commissioner Mohammed Birik, who said that the locals confronted the group when they matched into the site.
Angry and beaten, the militants opened fire on the about 20 locals who insisted that there were no non-locals at the site, completely blocking them from getting into the facility.
Birik said that no one was injured in the scuffle, after which the militants 'escaped'.
"They confronted the gunmen who proceeded to the site and failed to get what they wanted. They opened fire but no one was injured before they (gunmen) escaped," he said.
The incident came shortly after Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiangi assured area residents of their safety from the militants who have been repeatedly striking the area.
"The increasing insecurity incidents in Mandera are alarming and are hampering development, but we have made good progress and an announcement will soon be forthcoming from the national government,” the CS is stated.
Birik said that the targeted workers were later evacuated to Elwak Police Station for fear of follow up attacks.