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Security officers were attacked while pursuing suspected terrorists in Boni Forest. CS Murkomen pledges support and reforms for frontline troops as Kenya confronts persistent terror threats.
At least five officers from the Special Operations Group (SOG) of the border patrol unit lost their lives, and eight others were injured during a security operation in Lehelo, Lamu County. The officers were on a mission to arrest suspected terrorists when they were ambushed. They had been tracking the suspects for two days before the attack happened.
Interior Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kipchumba Murkomen confirmed the incident and shared that the injured officers were quickly airlifted to Nairobi for treatment. Thankfully, doctors have confirmed that all of them are now in stable condition and are recovering well.
CS Murkomen expressed his deep sorrow over the incident and offered his condolences to the families of the five officers who died in the line of duty. He praised the bravery and dedication of the security forces, saying that their hard work and sacrifice help keep the country safe from dangerous threats like terrorism.
“Our security officers give so much to protect us, and we must support them in every way possible,” Murkomen said.
The CS made these remarks during a Labour Day visit to the hospital where the injured officers are receiving treatment. He said the visit was meant to show support and appreciation for the uniformed officers who risk their lives to protect Kenya. Murkomen was joined by Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, as well as his deputies Eliud Lagat and Gilbert Masengeli, along with other senior security officials.
During his speech, Murkomen promised that the government would continue to improve the working conditions of police officers. He highlighted planned reforms aimed at offering better pay, improved medical care, and overall better working environments for the security forces.
“We are committed to improving the welfare of our officers. This includes reviewing their salaries, offering better medical insurance, and creating safer, more supportive workplaces,” he said.
The attack has once again brought attention to the ongoing threat of terrorism in Kenya, especially in regions near the Somali border. According to reports, the group behind the ambush is believed to be Al Shabaab, a terror group based in Somalia. Authorities suspect the group was planning a larger attack and were using a hideout deep within the Boni Forest, which is known to harbor militants.
CS Murkomen strongly condemned the attack and reassured the public that the government is taking the situation seriously. He said that counter-terror operations in the affected regions will be strengthened to prevent such deadly incidents from happening again. He emphasized the government’s determination to eliminate terrorist threats and restore peace in areas that have been frequently targeted.
“I want to assure all Kenyans that we will not allow these cowardly acts of terror to destabilize our country. We will take every necessary step to ensure the safety and security of our people, especially those living near the borders,” he said.
The tragic incident serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by security officers in the fight against terrorism. It also highlights the need for continued investment in security operations, better support for officers, and improved intelligence gathering to prevent future attacks.
As Kenya mourns the loss of its heroes, the nation also stands united in honoring their sacrifice and supporting their families. The government’s pledge to improve officer welfare offers a hopeful step forward in strengthening the country’s ability to fight terrorism and maintain peace.