- Five officers from the Special Operations Group were killed in an ambush in Lehelo, Lamu.
- The team had been tracking terrorists for two days based on a tip-off.
- The attackers, believed to be al-Shabaab, opened fire unexpectedly.
- Some officers were injured and flown to Nairobi for treatment.
- Boni Forest remains a known hideout for militants despite ongoing operations.
- CS Kipchumba Murkomen has promised improved welfare for officers.
- Locals are being called upon to support security agencies with information.
Tension is high in Lamu County after a brutal ambush claimed the lives of five elite officers from the Special Operations Group. The officers were reportedly following a terrorist cell for two days before they were caught off guard in the Lehelo area.
The gunmen had set up a deadly trap, opening fire suddenly and killing five officers on the spot. Several others were left injured and had to be flown to Nairobi for advanced medical attention.
Militants Still Active in Boni Forest Zone
Authorities believe the attackers also suffered losses during the shootout, though the exact number is yet to be confirmed. This deadly incident has once again brought attention to the growing militant activity in the Boni Forest area.
Boni Forest has long been used by al-Shabaab fighters as a base, and despite government operations under “Operation Linda Boni,” attacks continue to be reported. Security teams remain on high alert as they try to restore order in the region.
CS Murkomen: ‘Our Officers Deserve Better’
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen visited the injured officers in Nairobi during Labour Day. Speaking to the press, he assured the nation that the government will do more to take care of officers who put their lives on the line daily.
“Our security officers sacrifice a lot to keep us safe. They deserve better conditions, pay, and support,”
— Kipchumba Murkomen, Interior CS.
Call for Unity Against Rising Terrorism
The government is calling on residents of Lamu and nearby regions to cooperate with police by reporting any strange activity. Authorities say community support is key in defeating terrorism and stopping further bloodshed.
Lamu remains one of the most targeted areas by militants, with past attacks—like the 2014 Mpeketoni killings—still fresh in people’s minds. The situation remains tense, and the need for vigilance is more urgent than ever.
