Two police officers, including a senior police commander, have been killed after their vehicle struck a suspected Improvised Explosive Device (IED) along the Saretho–Dadaab road in Garissa County on Friday morning.
The incident occurred at approximately 6:00 a.m. when a Toyota Land Cruiser attached to Hagadera Police Station ran over the suspected explosive device along the main supply route, killing the Hagadera Sub-County Police Commander and his driver at the scene.
According to reports by Kenyan media, the explosion extensively damaged the vehicle, prompting a security response in the area as authorities began investigating the incident.
Garissa County Police Commander Samson Chelugo confirmed the deaths, while additional security personnel were dispatched to the scene to investigate the circumstances surrounding the blast and pursue those responsible.
Preliminary reports suggest that the incident could be linked to militant activity in the region, with suspected Al-Shabaab militants being mentioned as possible perpetrators. However, no verified claim of responsibility had been reported at the time of publication.
Investigators are working to establish how the explosive device was planted along the road and identify those responsible for the attack. Security operations have also been intensified in the area following the incident.
The attack has renewed concerns about the safety of roads used by security officers and other motorists in northeastern Kenya, particularly in areas near the Kenya–Somalia border.
Garissa and neighbouring counties have experienced previous incidents involving roadside explosives, which have targeted security personnel and disrupted movement along key transport routes.
The Saretho–Dadaab road is an important route for transportation and security operations in the region. The latest incident highlights the continuing challenges facing security agencies as they work to protect personnel and communities.
Investigations into Friday’s explosion remain ongoing, with authorities expected to provide further information as more details become available.
Photo: courtesy
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