Security has been significantly reinforced in Kenya’s coastal region after a deadly ambush in Boni Forest, Lamu County, claimed the lives of five Special Operations Group (SOG) officers and left eight others injured. The attack, attributed to suspected al Shabaab militants, has triggered a major multi-agency manhunt for the perpetrators.
The ambush occurred on Tuesday evening, with security sources confirming that five officers were killed and five others seriously injured in the confrontation. The wounded were airlifted to Nairobi for specialized treatment. Authorities have withheld the names of the fallen officers, pending notification of their families.
A large-scale security operation has been launched in Boni Forest and surrounding areas, targeting the attackers, who are believed to have suffered casualties during the firefight.
This latest assault underscores the persistent and evolving threat posed by al Shabaab, particularly in regions bordering Somalia. Boni Forest, which spans parts of Lamu, Garissa, and Tana River counties, has long been a known infiltration corridor and recruitment ground for the extremist group.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, who visited the injured officers at Nairobi West Hospital on Labour Day, strongly condemned the attack. He pledged that the government would intensify counter-terrorism efforts in the region. He was accompanied by Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome and Deputy Inspectors General Eliud Lagat (Kenya Police Service) and Gilbert Masengeli (Administration Police Service).
“Our officers risk their lives every day to protect this country. We owe them not only our gratitude but also tangible support—better welfare, advanced equipment, and quality medical care,” Murkomen stated.
He also disclosed that nine police officers are currently recovering from injuries sustained during recent operations, including missions in both Kenya and Haiti. He confirmed that five officers have died in the line of duty in recent weeks.
In recent months, al Shabaab has escalated cross-border incursions into Kenyan territory. In one alarming incident earlier this year, militants reportedly lectured Lamu residents on extremist ideology and warned them against cooperating with authorities.
Security agencies are urging local residents to share any information that may aid in identifying and apprehending the attackers or dismantling their support networks. Authorities have vowed to continue operations in Boni Forest until the threat is fully contained.
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