Two police officers on patrol in Mandera County were killed after the vehicle they were traveling in ran over an improvised explosive device.
A statement by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) indicated that the attack took place on Sunday at 5:00am at Ledhi Sub Location in Mandera County.
The authority further indicated that several other officers sustained injuries in the attack.
"The Independent Policing Oversight Authority yesterday learnt of an attack that targeted National Police Service officers dutifully undertaking their duty to secure the lives of Kenyans," read the statement in part.
"Sadly, the incident which occurred yesterday, September 3, 2023 at 0500hrs at Ledhi Sub Location in Mandera County, claimed the lives of two officers and injury of several others. The officers were on routine patrol when their vehicle run over an improvised explosive device."
After carrying out investigations, IPOA established that the attack was an act of terror.
"At the onset, the Authority sends condolences to the Inspector General of Police, members of the National Police Service, the families and friends of the fallen heroes," added the authority.
"IPOA also wishes quick restoration of health for the officers who were injured in the attack. IPOA, in the strongest terms possible, condemns the actions of armed organised criminal groups that seek to threaten the peace and tranquility enjoyed by Kenyans."
The attack came less than a month after Canada and the United States issued terror alerts to their citizens traveling to Mandera, Wajir, Garissa and Lamu counties.
The advisory was informed by intel that was gathered over likely activities of terror groups in the country.
"Kenya’s border with Somalia is closed, but it is porous and Somali militias and bandit groups have carried out cross-border attacks against foreigners and humanitarian workers in this region," read the statement in part.
"Some incidents involved the use of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and have resulted in injuries and deaths, including at the Dadaab refugee camp, 80 km from the Somali border."
