Two siblings killed in explosive ordinance blast in Garissa

Two siblings, aged 15 and 16, lost their lives in a blast caused by an explosive device while herding cattle in Bura East Sub-County, Garissa County, on Saturday, October 24, 2026. The siblings, residents of Guyo Village in Nanighi Location, suffered critical injuries and succumbed to them shortly after being taken to a military camp for emergency treatment.

A loud explosion was heard around noon, prompting Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) Forward Operating Base (FOB) officials to report the sound. A drone was sent up to conduct aerial surveillance, but no unusual activity was detected. A patrol team eventually discovered the two minors with severe injuries and transported them to the camp for medical care.

The girl had reportedly mentioned encountering a strange object while herding before her death. Her brother had attempted to remove the object with a panga, triggering the explosion. Military personnel suspect the object may have been a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) left behind during a previous incident involving suspected al-Shabaab militants.

However, the cause and origin of the device remain unverified. The incident serves as a reminder of the dangers posed by unexploded ordnance, particularly in areas where civilians may encounter suspicious objects while performing routine tasks. It is not the first occurrence of such incidents in the region, with residents advised to avoid touching or attempting to move unfamiliar metallic objects or suspected explosives, and to report them to security agencies immediately.

The area has been subject to attacks by al-Shabaab gunmen, who have been targeting security personnel.