•KDF Deployed, Mining Halted in Heilu
Marsabit County, Kenya| A startling discovery has shaken the remote village of Heilu in Moyale Constituency, Marsabit County.
This is after miners unearthed 23 unexploded ordnances buried underground, prompting a swift response from authorities and a temporary shutdown of all mining activities in the area.
Marsabit County Police Commander Leonard Kimaiyo confirmed the find on Saturday, noting that the discovery was made during routine mining operations by local diggers.
The explosive devices, believed to be remnants from a past era, were uncovered after a group of unidentified individuals began excavating the area reportedly in search of valuables allegedly left behind by colonial-era actors.
Commander Kimaiyo described the situation as highly sensitive and potentially dangerous.
“Upon receiving the report, we immediately cordoned off the site and notified the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) to deploy a bomb disposal unit,” he said.
The specialized team is expected to assess, defuse, and safely dispose of the explosives.
Although the origin and age of the devices have not been officially confirmed, early suspicions point to the possibility that the ordnances could be linked to past military activity or colonial stockpiles, given Moyale’s strategic historical significance near Kenya’s border with Ethiopia.
As a precautionary measure, all mining activities in Heilu have been suspended indefinitely.
Authorities have emphasized the importance of safety and have issued a public advisory urging residents to avoid the site entirely until further notice.
“This is not a matter to take lightly. The safety of the public is our top priority. We urge residents to be extremely cautious and report any suspicious objects or activities,” Commander Kimaiyo stated.
Security agencies are also investigating how the buried explosives remained undetected for so long and whether other areas within Moyale or Marsabit County may be at risk of similar findings.
The KDF bomb squad is expected to conduct a thorough survey of the surrounding terrain to rule out the presence of additional explosives, while local law enforcement continues to monitor the situation closely.
This incident has ignited concerns over historical remnants of conflict and the pressing need for comprehensive surveys in regions with known colonial or military histories.
The authorities have pledged to keep the public updated as the investigation and clearance efforts continue.
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