Tension gripped Garissa County on Friday morning after two police officers, including the Officer Commanding Police Division (OCPD) of Hagadera, were killed in a deadly roadside explosion.
The incident occurred at around 6 a.m. along the Saretho–Dadaab Main Supply Route when a Land Cruiser attached to Hagadera Police Station struck an improvised explosive device (IED).
The powerful blast destroyed the vehicle, killing the senior officer and the driver instantly.
Witnesses said a response team arrived at the scene shortly after the explosion. However, the officers did not find the individuals suspected of planting the explosive device.
Preliminary investigations point to suspected al-Shabaab militants or their local sympathisers as the likely perpetrators.
Security sources said it was unclear whether the attackers had prior knowledge of the officers’ movements or planted the device in anticipation of a patrol.
Officers are pursuing leads to identify and arrest those responsible for the killings.
The incident occurred in a region that has experienced repeated attacks involving roadside explosives, particularly against security personnel and government officials.
Security agencies have continued conducting operations in northeastern Kenya to counter threats from militants linked to al-Shabaab, whose activities across the Kenya-Somalia border have remained a security concern.
Kenya has deployed additional security personnel and surveillance technology in northeastern counties to strengthen border monitoring, protect communities and secure important supply routes.
Repeated attacks have disrupted transport, threatened livelihoods and complicated the delivery of essential public services in areas near the border.
The deaths of the two officers renewed concerns about the dangers faced by security personnel working along routes vulnerable to militant attacks. Authorities continued efforts to prevent further incidents and protect both officers and civilians.