A Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) officer shot dead a camel at a border post in Mandera County after the animal allegedly ignored repeated stop commands, an incident that has sparked both bemusement and unease.
According to an entry in the Occurrence Book (OB) at Rhamu Police Station dated April 3, the shooting occurred at Towfiq Trading Centre in Rhamu sub-county, near the Kenya–Somalia border.
The sentry, stationed at a highly sensitive security post, reportedly perceived the approaching camel as a potential threat and issued several warnings.
When the animal continued advancing, the officer opened fire, killing it on the spot.
The OB report states that the soldier acted in line with standing security protocols, which require any unidentified movement near the border to be challenged and, if necessary, neutralised.
High alert in a volatile zone
In Mandera, where the threat of infiltration by Al-Shabaab militants remains constant, such procedures are strictly enforced.
A KDF platoon is stationed in the area to guard against cross-border incursions by militants who frequently target civilians and security installations.
The incident occurred at around 11:15 pm. The sentry, identified as part of Platoon Five, Squad One, observed what was described as “suspicious” and “unannounced” movement about 50 metres from the camp’s main entrance.
“Due to poor visibility, the sentry challenged the approaching figure using the standard password procedure, but no response was received,” the OB report noted.
The soldier then fired warning shots before releasing bursts from an M240B machine gun.
At first light, after the area had been secured, the source of the disturbance became clear: a camel lay dead roughly 10 metres from the gate.
Morning discovery
Police officers who visited the scene reported the animal had sustained a single gunshot wound to the head.
The camel’s owner has not been identified.
Residents reacted with a mix of disbelief and resignation. While some questioned the necessity of lethal force against livestock, others pointed to the harsh realities of a volatile border where hesitation can carry deadly consequences.
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Authorities have not said whether compensation will be pursued, though such cases are typically handled administratively.
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