Mandera county commissioner Fredrick Shisia has attributed the rampant terror attacks in the area to failure by locals to provide information on al Shabaab. "Al Shabaab uses intimidation and propaganda thus residents have fear giving any information even when they get knowledge of their whereabouts," he said. The county commissioner also noted that he had received leads alleging traders operating within the Mandera were paying 'operational fee' to the militia. The residents also pointed out the possibility of some security personnel cooperating with the al Shabaab by taking bribes. Mandera North and Mandera East constituencies are the main areas affected with frequent attacks.

Source: The Star October 31, 2016 05:54 UTC