A deadly attack by Al-Shabaab militants has left five police officers dead and eight others seriously wounded in the Rakei neighborhood of Boni Forest in Lamu County. This tragic incident has once again raised alarm over the growing threat of terrorism in the region, especially along Kenya’s porous border with Somalia. According to Lamu Police Commissioner Wesley Koech, the attack was carried out by over 70 heavily armed militants.
As reported by Citizen Digital, the militia group is believed to have attempted to cross the Bodhei-Lamu border through Garissa, but their plans were interrupted when they came into contact with Special Operations Group (SOG) police officers.The encounter quickly turned into a fierce gunfight between the officers and the militants. Unfortunately, five of the brave officers lost their lives in the battle, while eight others suffered life-threatening injuries. The injured officers, along with the bodies of the fallen, were later airlifted to Nairobi for medical treatment and further handling.
The loss has sent fear across the security forces and the entire nation, with many questioning the level of preparedness and intelligence sharing in such high-risk areas.Commissioner Koech said the attack happened just three kilometres from Lamu, a distance that shows how close the militants came to civilian populations.
He noted that the terrorists were likely attempting to cross into the area with the intention of launching more attacks, possibly targeting security installations or innocent residents. The fact that such a large group was able to organize and move into the country unnoticed has led to concerns about loopholes in border surveillance and patrols.
This incident is not just a blow to the security forces, but also a reminder that terrorism remains a real and present danger in Kenya. Al-Shabaab has continued to target regions close to the Somalia border, taking advantage of the difficult terrain and sometimes weak coordination among local and national security agencies. The Boni Forest, in particular, has long been a hiding spot for the militants due to its dense cover and remote location.
Following the attack, authorities have urged all Kenyans to stay alert and report any unusual or suspicious behavior by unfamiliar people in their communities. The public’s cooperation with security forces is seen as a key factor in helping to prevent future attacks. There are growing calls for the government to invest more in border protection, intelligence gathering, and equipping frontline officers.
Many believe that only through stronger coordination and constant vigilance can Kenya win the fight against terrorism and ensure the safety of its people.