Mandera suspends all quarrying after suspected Shabaab militants kidnap two miners in latest attack

By Manase Otsialo

Mandera County Commissioner Henry Ochako has announced the suspension of all quarrying activity in the county due to insecurity posed by Al-Shabaab militants.  

The move comes after two miners were kidnapped Wednesday in Mandera South. 

According to witnesses, the gang of four left with the two for an unknown destination. 

“We have decided to suspend all quarrying activities in Mandera until further notice because of the continued attacks on miners,” said Mr Ochako.

The incident come days after a quarry worker was murdered in Quramadhoo area, Elwak. Additionally, about two months ago, four other quarry workers were murdered in Bur Abor village, Mandera East. 

On April 29, 2025, suspected Al Shabaab militants ambushed quarry workers en route to their worksite and killed at least five people. The miners were heading to Bur-Abor quarry on the outskirts of Mandera town when the attack occurred early in the morning.

On Monday, Naftali Wanjohi was murdered in the Quramodho area of Elwak, Mandera South. According to police, Mr Wanjohi’s skull was fractured, his left ear was chopped off and he had deep cuts on his neck and hands. His colleagues fled the scene, leaving him behind.

On  Thursday, two miners John Kambua and Martin Musyoki were abducted in the Shimbir Fatuma area of Mandera South. The two who were working at Chachabole quarry under a contractor were reportedly the only non-locals in the group. According to the area assistant chief, four armed men emerged from the bushes and took them away as the group arrived at the site.

Mr Ochako who also chairs the Mandera County Security and Intelligence Committee (CSIC) said intelligence reports indicated that Al Shabaab operatives had been gathering information on quarry operations with the intention of launching more attacks.

“We have intelligence that the militants are planning more attacks targeting quarry workers. This is why we have suspended stone mining operations,” he said.

He added that quarrying will only resume after sub-county security committees together with quarry owners and workers develop adequate security measures.

“The suspension is intended to assure the miners of their safety both at the quarries and en route. We are concerned about everyone’s security,” he added.

The government has previously suspended quarrying in Mandera due to threats posed by Al-Shabaab militants since 2014.

Prior to December 2, 2014, quarry workers operated at night to avoid the region’s scorching heat. However, that changed after militants attacked Hargargasu quarry in Mandera East killing 36 miners. In response, the government banned nighttime quarrying and advised miners to live in urban areas near security camps. Armed escorts were also introduced for quarry routes and sites.

But despite these measures, attacks continued. On October 25, 2016, 12 people were killed when militants stormed a residence in Mandera town where miners were staying. Another six were killed on December 22, 2020 in a similar raid.

Speaking to Nation, chairman of the Quarry Owners Association in Mandera, Alio Madey, criticised the government's move and instead blamed lax security enforcement.

“The insecurity in Mandera is due to negligence by security agencies. There are no regular patrols as promised, creating a vacuum that militants exploit,” said Mr Madey.

He warned that the suspension would hurt many people economically including quarry owners, miners and those in the transport sector.

“Many families depend on quarrying for their livelihoods. This shutdown will cause suffering,” he added.

The security team maintained that the decision is solely based on intelligence reports and is focused on protecting workers and not driven by business rivalry.

In the past, resistance to similar directives has resulted in arrests. In 2015, quarry workers defied orders by then-Mandera East Police Commander Ekai Maruk and were fined Sh60,000 each or five months in jail. The government later intervened and released them after three days.

In December 2018, following another suspension, quarry workers protested and even threatened to march from Mandera to Nairobi. Police detained 27 protesters who were locked up at Mandera Police Station.

“We are staring at a crisis. With no source of income, people may resort to other forms of crime,” warned Mr Madey, noting that the construction industry will also feel the impact.