Five security officers were killed in an attack in Mandera on Tuesday, September 10, 2019.
The Standard reported that three KDF soldiers and two Anti Stock Theft Unit officers lost their lives in the explosion.
About 20 others were injured during the 1 p.m. incident and were airlifted to Nairobi for treatment.
The security officials were travelling between Farhama and Elram areas, when their two armoured vehicles and a lorry were hit by the rocket-propelled grenade fired by suspected Al Shabaab militants.
The safety of the armoured trucks has been questioned as the number of security personnel killed or injured inside the carriers rises.
The Norinco VN-4 armoured personnel carriers were acquired from China in 2016.
President Uhuru Kenyatta commissioned the 30 vehicles at a low-key ceremony attended by the then Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinnet.
The local publication also reported that there have been silent efforts to change suppliers of the vehicles.
In 2018, the US donated 12 Bastion APCs to KDF to improve border surveillance.
A Bastion vehicle is based on the 4×4 rigid mechanical-welded chassis of all-terrain multi-role tactical vehicle and has a conventional layout with the engine at the front, which ensures full-length floor extending through rear for crew and troops.
The APC's cabin can be equipped with air conditioning system, radio devices, and observation and record system and the vehicles are fitted with a beacon light, loudspeaker, siren amplifier, public address system and searchlight.
The vehicle is also provided with smoke grenade launchers and up to nine gun ports for firing rifles.
