Security Chiefs Visit Garissa After Teacher, Chief Killed in Suspected Al-Shabaab Attack

Top national security officials on Tuesday visited Hulugho Township in Garissa County following the killing of a local chief and a primary school teacher in what authorities say may have been a suspected Al-Shabaab attack.

The Deputy Inspector-General of the Administration Police Service (DIG-APS), Mr. Gilbert Masengeli, led the high-level visit on behalf of the Inspector-General of the National Police Service (IG-NPS), Mr. Douglas Kanja, a day after Boma Location Chief Abdifatah Ghani and Hulugho Primary School teacher Peter Vundi Musili were shot dead in separate but closely linked incidents within the township.

During the visit, DIG Masengeli condoled with the family of the slain chief and later met teachers and pupils at Hulugho Primary School, where he delivered condolences following the killing of Mr. Musili, describing the incident as shocking and unprecedented in the area.

In a message from the Inspector-General read by the DIG, the National Police Service assured residents that multi-agency security teams have been deployed and are actively pursuing those responsible for the attack.

“The security agencies are working tirelessly to ensure the perpetrators are arrested and brought to justice,” the message stated, as residents were urged to cooperate with security agencies by sharing intelligence.

Mr. Masengeli also visited the widow of the slain chief, Ms. Aftina Shalle Wabi, and conveyed condolences on behalf of the government and the National Police Service. Chief Ghani was laid to rest on Monday in accordance with Islamic rites.

Later, the DIG held a closed-door meeting with officers from formed-up units and forward operating bases (FOBs), where he was briefed on ongoing operations aimed at strengthening security within Hulugho and surrounding border areas.

He directed officers to adopt a more proactive, intelligence-led approach to policing, with heightened focus on both the township and remote border regions.
DIG Masengeli was accompanied by the Commandant of the General Service Unit (GSU), Mr. Ranson Lolmodooni, SAIG, and the National Police Service Director of Corporate Communications and Spokesperson, Mr. Muchiri Nyaga, AIG.

Senior officials from the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), including Director of Administration Mr. Ibrahim Mumin and Director of Staffing Ms. Antonina Lentoijoni, also attended the visit in solidarity with the affected school community.

The killings have renewed security concerns in Garissa County as investigations continue to establish the exact circumstances behind the attack.