At least 10 people were killed and more than 15 others were injured after a suicide bomber detonated an explosive vest at a crowded teashop in the central town of Beledweyne in Hirshabelle State on Saturday according to witness who spoke to VOA Somali.
Videos obtained from the scene of the explosion showed dead bodies and injuries being evacuated to health facilities.
Further reports have emerged that almost all those who perished in the suicide bombing are civilians with State media reporting that the deputy district commissioner for social affairs Abdirahman Kenyan is among those killed in the suicide bombing.
Other reports also say that a regional lawmaker has reportedly been wounded in the attack.
No group has claimed responsibility for the attack but Al- Shabaab Militant group which controls large swathes of land in Southern and Central Somalia wage attacks on government officials, AMISOM forces, civilians and government installations and buildings.
Former NISA boss and current National Security Advisor to President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo is expected to land in the town later in the day where he is seeking a parliamentary seat.
His candidacy has however ruffled feathers in some quarters with Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble ordering for the suspension of the seat until all grievances and concerns raised by clan elders are resolved.
However, the State Electoral Commission of HirShabelle refused to postpone the seat and said in a statement that the elections of the seat will take place despite the directive from the Prime Minister.
Federal government of Somalia yesterday deployed fresh troops in the town to secure the Ex- National intelligence chief Fahad Yassin ahead of his arrival today.
