The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) have been deployed to enhance security in exam centres in Mandera following an incident where suspected Al Shabaab militia attacked a police base in the county.
Confirming the attack, Lafey Deputy County Commissioner Paul Wanyonyi stated that the officers were able to repulse the militia who tried to access the border patrol police unit camp.
Intelligence reports received indicated that the militants planned to disrupt exams. In response, the military had to take control of some examination centres.
"We have beefed up security in the area since we do not want the national examinations to be disrupted.
"The KCPE examinations have begun well in all the 11 centres within Lafey under tight security," he assured.
During the attack on Sunday, March 21, the attackers ambushed the officers firing two rocket-propelled grenades at the camps, which led to a shoot-out with police.
The security boss noted that the officers were able to drive back the suspected Al Shabaab militia.
From their investigations, the police stated that the attackers were about 10 in number.
"The enemy wants to overrun our security camps because we are a hindrance in their illegal activities, including taxing residents and kidnapping road users for ransom," Wanyonyi disclosed.
He added that they had deployed more officers at Damasa, Kamor Liban and Fino area.
The KCPE examinations kicked off countrywide on Monday, March 22, with 1,191,725 candidates expected to sit for the exams in 28,467 centres.
The exams are being administered for three days and will end on Wednesday, March 24, 2021.
