Leaders in Garissa County have called for a swift and independent investigation into the explosion that killed two siblings in Bura East Sub-County at the weekend, saying the family deserves answers.

They spoke outside the Garissa County Commissioner's office after a security meeting attended by senior security officers, local leaders, residents and relatives of the two children.

What happened

Police identified the victims as Malyun Ahmed Diriye, 15, and her brother Abdi Ahmed Burale, 16, from Guyo Village in Nanighi Location. According to a police report cited by Capital FM, the two were herding cattle when they came across a strange object, and the boy struck it with a panga out of curiosity, setting off the blast.

The officer commanding a nearby Kenya Defence Forces forward operating base reported hearing a loud explosion at about midday. A patrol later found the injured children and took them to the camp for treatment. The girl died shortly after arrival, and her brother died as medics tried to stabilise him. They were buried the same day according to Islamic rites.

The military team suspects the object was a rocket-propelled grenade, possibly left behind after an earlier militant attempt to attack the camp. Police have not confirmed the type of device, and its origin has not been established.

Leaders' demands

ODM nominated MP Umulkheir Harun praised residents for staying calm and said leaders would work with the security team to ensure justice. "As leaders, we will work closely with the security team and the community to ensure justice is delivered to the affected families as soon as possible," she said.

Nanighi MCA Abdullahi Ibrahim said the community wanted the investigation concluded quickly. "We have buried our children, but we want justice to be delivered as soon as possible," he said, adding that the probe must be independent and fair.

Garissa senatorial aspirant Mohamed Shale said the community was ready to allow exhumation of the bodies for post-mortem examinations if investigators found it necessary.

Government response

Garissa Deputy County Commissioner Obel Ojwang conveyed the government's condolences and said investigators had been allowed to establish what caused the explosion. "We are deeply sorry that we have lost these innocent children," he said.

The meeting agreed to set up a joint arrangement between leaders, residents and security officers during the investigation. Residents were urged not to handle or strike unfamiliar metal objects and to report suspicious items to security agencies.

Photos: The Star. Thumbnail design: HAMASTA MEDIA.