Somalia is notorious for its perilous living conditions, largely due to the omnipresent threat posed by the al-Shabaab militia.
Despite the inherent dangers, a group of bold young men, aged between 18 and 20, hailing from Meru County in Kenya, were enticed by the prospect of earning up to Ksh100,000 ($758) per month.
Their aspirations led them to Dhobley, a town located just five kilometers from the Kenyan border, where they sought to engage in lucrative trade, dealing in plastic utensils and shoes.
Tragedy befell them last Friday when suspected members of the Al-Shabaab militia stormed a business establishment where these young men operated, resulting in the fatal shooting of six individuals.
The Kenyan government swiftly intervened, transporting the bodies via military helicopter to Isiolo airport for repatriation.
Lewis Mwirigi, a survivor of the attack, recounted his narrow escape, dodging bullets as he fled for his life.
The assailants struck abruptly, opening fire on the unsuspecting traders, catching them off guard despite the prevalent backdrop of armed conflicts in Somalia.
In the chaotic aftermath, the attackers set fire to the shops before hastily making their escape in a waiting vehicle.
Returning to the scene later, Mwirigi and his surviving colleagues were met with a grim sight – four friends lay lifeless in pools of blood, while two others clung to life in agony.
The harrowing experience prompted immediate flight from Somalia for many, as the survivors grappled with the trauma of the ordeal.
Reflecting on the incident, Alex Mutuma, another trader, expressed suspicion that locals harboring resentment towards their prosperity may have orchestrated the attack.
While acknowledging the potential for lucrative business opportunities in Somalia, Mwirigi emphasized the paramount value of life over material gain, vowing never to return to the volatile region.
Mutuma echoed these sentiments, highlighting the stark contrast between their initial aspirations and the grim reality they faced.
Their return to Meru marks the end of a chapter fraught with peril and serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life amidst the pursuit of prosperity in hostile lands.
