Five elite police officers killed in ambush by Al Shabaab militants in Boni Forest
ntelligence reports indicate that the militia got into the forest mid last month and they have been hiding there as they planned a large-scale attack in the country
Five police officers from the elite Special Operations Group were killed while eight others were left with serious injuries after they were attacked by Al-Shabaab militants in Lehelo, Lamu County.
The officers were ambushed by the militia group whom they had been tracking for two days.
The injured officers, who were airlifted to Nairobi and are in a stable condition.
Intelligence reports indicate that the militia got into the Boni Forest mid last month and they have been hiding there as they planned a large-scale attack in the country.
Yesterday, the Interior Cabinet Secretary Kichumba Murkomen spent the day visiting the injured officers who are admitted at the Nairobi West Hospital
Speaking after visiting the officers, Murkomen said the visit was meant to appreciate and stand in solidarity with the uniformed troops who sacrifice to make the country safe.
He lauded them for their work in ensuring the country’s peace.
“Our security officers sacrifice a lot to keep us safe and secure, and they need our support,’’ said Murkomen.
The CS also pledged to promote reform, including better remuneration and better medical cover for them.
“We are committed to improving the welfare of our officers through the various reforms, which include better working conditions and pay as well as enhanced medical care,’’ Murkomen said.
While sympathizing with the five families that lost their kin, Murkomen condemned the attack, saying the government would strengthen counter-terror operations in the region. “I also sent our deep sympathies to the families of five officers who lost their lives in recent operations across the country,’’ he said.
The incident has exposed the persistent threat posed by Al Shabaab, particularly in areas bordering Somalia.
The group was suspected to be planning a large-scale attack from their hideout deep in Boni Forest.
In March, a contingent of one hundred officers was dispatched to Mangai in Lamu after a group of armed militia visited the village.
The villagers reported that the militia were armed with AK-47 rifles.
The militia distributed dates as a Ramadhan gift to the villagers before going back to the forest into the Somalia direction.
