At least five police officers were killed and five others injured on Tuesday evening during a fierce gun battle with suspected al-Shabaab militants in Lamu’s volatile Boni Forest.
According to police reports, the officers—part of the elite Special Operations Group—were ambushed in the Lehelo area after trailing the terrorists for two days based on intelligence that the group was planning a major attack. The gunmen, lying in wait, launched a deadly assault that left five officers dead. The injured were later airlifted to Nairobi for specialized treatment.
Authorities believe the attackers also suffered casualties in the ambush, although the exact number remains unknown.
This latest attack highlights the growing threat of terrorism in the Boni Forest region, which has long served as a hideout for al-Shabaab militants. The government has deployed multi-agency teams under “Operation Linda Boni” to flush out militants from the area. Despite these efforts, the militants continue to mount ambushes and spread fear among locals.
Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen, speaking during a Labour Day visit to officers injured in the line of duty, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving police welfare. “Our security officers sacrifice a lot to keep us safe. They deserve better conditions, pay, and support,” he said.
Lamu remains a hotspot for militant activity, with past attacks claiming scores of lives, including the 2014 Mpeketoni massacre. Authorities are urging locals to cooperate with security forces and report any suspicious activity to help curb further bloodshed.
