The explosion occurred as the officers were conducting a routine patrol in an area that has experienced repeated militant activity over the past months.
According to preliminary security reports, the explosive went off immediately after the Administration Police vehicle drove over it, completely destroying the front part of the patrol truck.
According to preliminary security reports, the explosive went off immediately after the Administration Police vehicle drove over it, completely destroying the front part of the patrol truck.
The sudden blast left two officers dead on the spot, while five others sustained serious injuries and were rushed to a nearby medical facility for emergency treatment.
Although investigations are still ongoing, security officials believe the attack bears the markings of Al-Shabaab militants, who have previously used similar tactics in the region.
Although investigations are still ongoing, security officials believe the attack bears the markings of Al-Shabaab militants, who have previously used similar tactics in the region.
Officials noted that the device appeared to have been buried along the patrol route, suggesting it was planted deliberately to ambush security forces.
No militant group had claimed responsibility by the time news of the attack reached the public, but authorities say Al-Shabaab remains the main suspect because the group has been active across Garissa, Wajir, and Mandera counties for years.
No militant group had claimed responsibility by the time news of the attack reached the public, but authorities say Al-Shabaab remains the main suspect because the group has been active across Garissa, Wajir, and Mandera counties for years.
Their preferred method of attack in recent months has been the use of IEDs, which allow them to target security officers without direct confrontation.
The Daadab and Kulan areas have become extremely dangerous for police patrols, with several attacks recorded in 2025 alone.
The Daadab and Kulan areas have become extremely dangerous for police patrols, with several attacks recorded in 2025 alone.
In May this year, three police officers survived another IED explosion in the same region after their Land Cruiser ran over an explosive early in the morning.
The vehicle suffered heavy damage, but the officers were lucky to escape with minor injuries because the bomb detonated prematurely.
In October, officers from the Special Operations Group (SOG) intercepted eight suspected militants who were in the process of assembling explosives in Eelmerer-Yumbia, also in Garissa County.
In October, officers from the Special Operations Group (SOG) intercepted eight suspected militants who were in the process of assembling explosives in Eelmerer-Yumbia, also in Garissa County.
According to intelligence reports, the suspects were spotted after members of the local community tipped off the security unit about unusual movement in the area.
The quick response by the SOG team prevented another attack that could have caused significant casualties.
Such incidents reflect a worrying trend where militants increasingly rely on improvised bombs. Security experts say Al-Shabaab uses IEDs because they are effective tools of asymmetric warfare.
Such incidents reflect a worrying trend where militants increasingly rely on improvised bombs. Security experts say Al-Shabaab uses IEDs because they are effective tools of asymmetric warfare.
Since the group cannot match Kenya’s military and police firepower, they resort to hidden explosives to disrupt patrols, damage vehicles, and instill fear among officers and residents.
IEDs are also difficult to detect, especially in rough and dusty terrain like that found around Kulan and Daadab. This makes patrol operations extremely risky, even for well-trained officers.
Garissa County continues to face high levels of terrorist activity for various reasons. A recent security assessment revealed that reduced funding for counter-terror operations and cutbacks in some community-based programmes have given militants room to reorganize.
IEDs are also difficult to detect, especially in rough and dusty terrain like that found around Kulan and Daadab. This makes patrol operations extremely risky, even for well-trained officers.
Garissa County continues to face high levels of terrorist activity for various reasons. A recent security assessment revealed that reduced funding for counter-terror operations and cutbacks in some community-based programmes have given militants room to reorganize.
The vast land, porous border with Somalia, and the presence of refugee camps around Daadab create a complex environment for law enforcement agencies.
While the refugee communities are not responsible for the attacks, security experts warn that the camps can be exploited by militants hiding among populations or moving in and out unnoticed.
While the refugee communities are not responsible for the attacks, security experts warn that the camps can be exploited by militants hiding among populations or moving in and out unnoticed.
The African Union and UN agencies have long urged for more coordinated intelligence-sharing and improved screening systems to stop infiltration.
The government has condemned the latest attack and promised a swift response. Additional security officers have been deployed to the area, while specialized units continue to search for the attackers.
The government has condemned the latest attack and promised a swift response. Additional security officers have been deployed to the area, while specialized units continue to search for the attackers.
Authorities have also appealed to residents for cooperation, saying community intelligence is critical in preventing further attacks.
