Chief, Teacher Killed in Suspected Al-Shabaab Night Attack in Garissa
A village chief and a primary school teacher were killed on Sunday night in what authorities believe was a suspected Al-Shabaab attack in Hulugho town, Garissa County, renewing fears over persistent insecurity along Kenya’s border with Somalia.
The two victims were reportedly ambushed and shot dead in separate attacks at their homes on the night of January 25, in an incident that has sent shockwaves through the local community. Security officials say the circumstances and method of the killings bear the hallmarks of militant activity linked to the Somalia-based extremist group.
Garissa Member of Parliament Edo Udgoon Siyad confirmed the incident on Monday, describing the deaths as a devastating blow to the community and the county at large.
“I send my heartfelt condolences to the families of Chief Abdi Gani Owl and the dedicated teacher, both of whom served the people of Hulugho with unwavering commitment,” Siyad said.
“We strongly condemn this senseless violence and stand united with all those affected. May Chief Gani rest in Jannatul Firdaus, and may the teacher’s family find strength and peace during this painful time,” she added.
Residents of Hulugho described the chief as a key link between the government and the community, while the slain teacher was remembered as a pillar of the local education system. Community leaders say the loss has not only left families grieving but has also disrupted essential services in the area.
Security agencies have since launched investigations to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the killings. Officers drawn from the National Police Service and specialised counter-terrorism units have intensified patrols in and around Hulugho, particularly along routes suspected to be used by militants crossing into Kenya from Somalia.
Authorities say the attack comes amid growing concern over renewed militant activity along the porous Kenya–Somalia border. Garissa County, which lies close to the frontier, has previously been targeted in attacks blamed on Al-Shabaab, with security personnel, civil servants, and civilians often bearing the brunt.
The latest incident follows a deadly attack earlier in November in Kulan area near Dadaab, where two border patrol officers were killed after an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) detonated under their vehicle. At least five other officers sustained critical injuries in that incident, highlighting the ongoing risks faced by security forces deployed in the region.
Days after the Kulan attack, security agencies reported killing several suspected militants who were allegedly attempting to cross into Kenya from Somalia under the cover of darkness. In a statement released on November 30, Chief, Teacher Killed in Suspected Al-Shabaab Night Attack in Garissa stationed along the border.
“A group of terrorists attempted to infiltrate our border. Our special teams manning the frontier detected them and responded decisively,” the Anti-Terrorism Unit said at the time.
“Our superior firepower and the dedication of our officers will always prevail against the enemies of our nation,” the statement added.
While authorities have not officially named the group behind the Hulugho killings, security analysts say the pattern mirrors previous Al-Shabaab operations aimed at intimidating local administrators and undermining government presence in border regions.
As investigations continue, local leaders have urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies. The government has reiterated its commitment to safeguarding lives and property, pledging sustained operations to dismantle militant networks operating along the border.
For now, the deaths of the chief and teacher stand as a grim reminder of the fragile security situation in parts of northern Kenya, even as authorities insist that heightened vigilance and coordinated operations remain key to restoring lasting peace.
ALSO READ: Govt Threatens to Sack Secondary School Principals in Grade 10 Fallout
Chief, Teacher Killed in Suspected Al-Shabaab Night Attack in Garissa
