One person was killed and four others injured after suspected bandits attacked a moving vehicle transporting livestock along the Merti-Gotu Road in Isiolo County.

The deceased was identified as Mohammed Koto Godana, 60, who was fatally shot when armed assailants opened fire on the vehicle in the Babala area, Biliqo Marara Sub-location, Kom Location, on Thursday afternoon.

Police said the incident occurred at around 12:30pm when the white Mitsubishi vehicle was transporting sheep, goats and cattle to Isiolo town.

Police said an unknown number of suspected gunmen ambushed the moving vehicle and opened fire, killing Godana and injuring four other occupants.

The body was taken to Merti Sub-County Hospital for a postmortem examination before being released to his family for burial in accordance with Islamic rites.

The driver escaped the attack and saved all the livestock aboard the vehicle by driving away from the scene for approximately four kilometres.

The circumstances surrounding the attack and the identities of the assailants remain under investigation.