Two policemen killed, five injured in IED attack in Garissa

Two officers from the Border Patrol Unit (BPU) were killed and five others critically wounded on Wednesday after their patrol vehicle struck an improvised explosive device (IED) on the Liboi–Kulan road in Garissa County. The explosion destroyed the Land Cruiser carrying the officers, with one of the victims dying instantly at the scene and another succumbing to injuries upon arrival at Dadaab Sub‑County Hospital.
According to officials, the blast is suspected to have been orchestrated by the militant group Al-Shabaab, which has frequently targeted security patrols operating near the porous Kenya–Somalia border.
The patrol team was on routine border surveillance when their route was rigged with the device — part of a pattern of attacks in the region.
The wounded officers were rushed first to Dadaab hospital, with plans underway to transfer them to Nairobi for specialised treatmentThe deadly attack underscores the persistent danger faced by security personnel patrolling northern border regions. Local leaders and residents condemned the assault, expressing grief over the loss of lives and solidarity with the bereaved families.
Many are urging enhanced protection for officers and increased surveillance along vulnerable border corridors.
Security agencies have launched an intensified manhunt for the perpetrators and pledged to step up patrol operations. As operations proceed, authorities are calling on local communities to remain vigilant and share any information that could lead to arrests — while stressing the importance of safeguarding both officers and civilians as tensions along the border remain high.