LAMU, Kenya — A devastating roadside blast on Tuesday tragically killed three Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) soldiers and injured seven others after their vehicle hit an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) near Kiunga.
The incident occurred shortly after midnight in the Badaah area, along the Kiunga–Sankuri road.
Lamu East Deputy County Commissioner George Kubai confirmed the attack, stating that the soldiers were returning from Sankuri, where they had transported colleagues, when their vehicle struck the hidden device.
“The vehicle was on the return journey when it struck the IED,” DCC Kubai confirmed, describing the sudden and lethal explosion.
The injured soldiers were immediately transported to Kiunga hospital, where they are currently receiving urgent medical care for their wounds.
In response to the attack, the KDF, in close coordination with local police, has initiated a major operation. The objective of this extensive search is to locate and apprehend those responsible for planting the explosive device.
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Residents of the area, who have long voiced concerns about persistent terrorist activity linked to the al-Shabaab extremist group, have expressed heightened fears following the blast.
Security officials are intensifying patrols and establishing additional checkpoints along the Kiunga–Sankuri route to enhance safety and prevent further incidents.
This tragic event underscores the enduring threat of extremist violence in Lamu County, a region that has repeatedly grappled with attacks specifically targeting security personnel.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the sacrifices made by KDF soldiers in their efforts to maintain peace and security in volatile areas.
