Unknown gunmen on Wednesday evening killed a prominent Somali traditional elder, who was among the 135 elders from major clans tasked with submitting a list of delegates to elect members of parliament in the upcoming elections, police said.

Police said Ibrahim Qarah was killed by two armed men while on his way to his residence in Bardere town, cregion.

No group has claimed responsibility for the murder of the elder. Police say they are investigating the motive behind it.

The Al-Shabaab Islamist group, which stages frequent attacks in the country in its insurgency against the government, has vowed to disrupt the elections due to begin later this month.

The parliamentary election will be held from Oct. 23 to Nov. 10. Lawmakers will then choose a president on Nov. 30. 

Source : XINHUA