A poorly dumped grenade. A similar grenade went off on Wednesday, killing five children who were playing with it. (Photo/citizentv.co.ke)
Five children lost their lives after a grenade they were playing with exploded on Wednesday in Banisa sub-county, Mandera county. The explosion claimed lives of the young ones aged between 12 and 17 years.
Deputy county commissioner Mathias Chishambo confirmed the incident, saying it occurred at around 6 pm when the victims were grazing their cattle while playing with the grenade oblivious to the danger it posed.
They had crossed over to neighboring Ethiopia in search of pasture and water.
“I can confirm that they are all Kenyans contrary to earlier reports that some might be Ethiopians,” Chishambo said in a phone interview with the Star.
He accused former British soldiers of failing to dispose of their training equipment in a manner that will not endanger lives. His sentiments were echoed by Kiliweheri MCA Bashir Ibrahim, who promised to sue the British government.
“It is unfortunate that the colonial masters left behind these dangerous objects that continue to kill our people and living many others either disabled or with permanent marks. We have heard enough of this and as a community, we will be moving to court to sue the British government and demand for compensation," Ibrahim said.