Five officers killed, eight injured in Boni Forest operation

At least five Special Operations Group (SOG) officers from the border patrol unit were killed while eight others suffered injuries during an operation to apprehend suspected terrorists in Lehelo, Lamu County.

The team had been tracking the suspects for two days before the ambush.

According to Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, the injured officers, who were airlifted to Nairobi, are out of danger and in a stable condition.

‘’Our security officers sacrifice a lot to keep us safe and secure, and they need our support,’’ said Murkomen.

Speaking after visiting the officers during Labour Day on Thursday, Murkomen said the visit was meant to appreciate and stand in solidarity with the uniformed troops who sacrifice to make the country safe.

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He lauded them for their work in ensuring the country’s peace.

Further, the CS also pledged to promote reform including better remunerations 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,’’ said Murkomen.

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.

Murkomen was accompanied by Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja and his deputies Eliud Lagat and Gilbert Masengeli among other senior security officials.

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.