Security forces in Wajir deployed an advanced anti-drone armored vehicle while President William Ruto and top government officials participated in the 2026 Madaraka Day celebrations and conducted a tour of the county.
Military experts have identified the vehicle as the OW5-A50 laser-based counter-drone system, a mobile defense platform designed to safeguard public events, vital infrastructure, and official convoys against aerial dangers.
The sophisticated defense technology was utilized to enhance security measures and reduce potential risks during the festivities that attracted numerous residents to Wajir Stadium.
Law enforcement agencies remained on high alert owing to the area’s susceptibility to terrorist incidents and transborder militant movements along the Somalia frontier.
The OW5-A50 was introduced by the China North Industries Group Corporation (NORINCO) in July 2025, showcasing its operational effectiveness at public exhibitions.
The system employs radar technology, electro-optical sensors, and directed-energy lasers to identify, monitor, and neutralize drones and other low-altitude aerial hazards.
Mounted on an 8×8 high-mobility military vehicle, the system can disrupt drone electronics without utilizing conventional projectiles.
The technology possesses the capability to quickly engage multiple targets and disable drone electronics across extensive distances, specifically engineered to counter drone formations and other unmanned aerial hazards.
As outlined in specifications revealed during its presentation, the OW5-A50 functions autonomously, without dependence on external power supplies, and allows for rapid deployment to various locations.
The platform’s exceptional mobility and swift targeting capabilities render it ideal for deployment in areas characterized by intricate security situations.
Information suggests that the OW5-A50 represents an expanding category of laser-based air defense systems created to address the growing utilization of drones in reconnaissance, assaults, and additional security operations.
Kenya’s deployment of a Chinese-manufactured defense system at this significant occasion demonstrates defense collaboration between the two nations, complementing existing partnerships.