IG Kanja Deploys Special Police Units to Secure Nairobi-Garissa Highway After Deadly Attacks
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the National Police Service (NPS) confirmed that elite teams had been dispatched to restore calm and reinforce security along the Mwingi–Garissa route, particularly in areas recently affected by attacks.
Authorities indicated that the move was prompted by a string of criminal incidents reported in Tseikuru and Ukasi, which they described as isolated but serious enough to warrant immediate intervention. The attacks have sparked concern among residents and travellers, with transport operators suspending services amid growing insecurity.
To stabilise the situation, the police have deployed specialised units, including the General Service Unit (GSU) and the Rapid Deployment Unit (RDU), to patrol the highway, escort vehicles, and deter further attacks. The presence of these units is expected to reassure the public and enable the safe movement of passengers and goods along the route.
The heightened security follows a deadly attack on April 26 in Tseikuru, Mwingi, where seven people were killed in what investigators believe were retaliatory assaults. Reports indicate that armed individuals stormed a village and opened fire, killing victims on the spot before fleeing.
Preliminary findings suggest the violence may be linked to underlying tensions between local communities and a pastoralist group believed to have originated from neighbouring Garissa County. Security agencies have since intensified investigations to identify those responsible and prevent further clashes.
The insecurity has already begun to affect transport operations along the highway, with several bus companies suspending services due to safety concerns. Among the affected operators is Pacific Coach, which announced the temporary suspension of its Nairobi–Garissa trips following an incident in which one of its buses was attacked.
In that incident, the vehicle was reportedly pelted with stones, shattering its windscreen and leaving passengers shaken, though no serious injuries were reported. The company advised travellers to postpone non-essential journeys until security is fully restored.
Local residents have also expressed concern over the recent events, citing fear and uncertainty in the wake of the attacks. Businesses operating along the highway have reported reduced activity, with some temporarily closing as a precaution.
In response, the police have called on communities in the affected areas to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies as operations continue. The NPS urged leaders at all levels to play a role in de-escalating tensions and promoting peaceful coexistence.
In its advisory, the police stated that “residents should remain calm, continue with their lawful activities, and avoid speculation or actions that could inflame the situation.”
The service further appealed to community elders, religious leaders, and local administrators to work closely with law enforcement in rebuilding trust and addressing underlying grievances through dialogue
Security experts note that the Nairobi–Garissa Highway is a vital transport and economic link connecting northeastern Kenya to the capital, making its stability crucial for trade, mobility, and regional integration.
As investigations continue and security operations intensify, authorities have reiterated their commitment to restoring normalcy and ensuring that those behind the attacks are brought to justice.
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IG Kanja Deploys Special Police Units to Secure Nairobi-Garissa Highway After Deadly Attacks
