A police constable on patrol in Mandera was shot dead by suspected al Shabaab militias on Thursday night and his G3 rifle alongside 30 bullets stolen.

Constable Sammy Munene who was attached to Mandera police station was on patrol with a colleague when they were ambushed by the gunmen. He was shot in the neck and head and died shortly after. The officer's colleague escaped and has been debriefed.

"An officer on patrol with his colleague was this morning ambushed by gunmen who shot at them killing him instantly. They attackers fled and none has been arrested although a manhunt has been launched," said a senior officer.