The Governor of Mudug region administered by Puntland state, Ahmed Muse Nur was killed in a blast on Sunday.
Mr. Nur and three of his bodyguards died after an explosive device hit their vehicle in the southern commercial city of Galkayo.
Armed group al Shabaab has since claimed the responsibility for the attack,.
The group al-Shabaab frequently targets government officials in the area.
The governor was appointed to the office in May last year.
Puntland authorities vowed to investigate and bring to book the perpetrators of the attack.
