The killing of eight people on the Mandera–Arabia–Lafey Road on November 10 has intensified security concerns in northeastern Kenya.
The victims were travelling to a road construction site when gunmen opened fire on their vehicle near Hagarsu.
Police suspect possible Al-Shabaab involvement, but the investigation remains open.
Police identify the victims
On November 11, Kenyan media published the identities of the eight people killed in the ambush.
The two police reservists were identified as Mohamed Ibrahim Hussein and Abdifatah Abdile Ibrahim.
The driver was Hassan Hussein Kussow.
The five construction workers were named as John Ng'ang'a Munene, Peter Musili Kiondo, Peter Kahio Kariuki, Stephen Kanyi Macharia and Stephen Munene Ng'ang'a.
Security officials also reported that two AK-47 rifles carried by the slain reservists were missing after the attack.
Attack fuels wider political debate
A social media statement circulated after the killings accused former South West State leader Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen of maintaining contact with Al-Shabaab from Nairobi.
The remarks reflected longstanding accusations made by Somali federal officials concerning Laftagareen and some of his supporters.
His political camp has denied cooperating with the militant organization.
The allegations have not been independently established, and no evidence has emerged connecting Laftagareen to the attack in Mandera.
Investigators examine possible motives
Kenyan police have deployed additional security personnel and investigators to the area.
While Al-Shabaab remains a suspected perpetrator, local investigators are also examining whether the attack may have been intended to provoke intercommunal tensions along the border.
That possibility has not been confirmed as the motive.
The authorities are also seeking to recover weapons reported missing after the deaths of the two police reservists.