Police bosses in a major reshuffle. The government reshuffled the entire top security personnel in Garrissa Thursday following the recent church attacks by suspected Al shabaab terrorists, which left over 17 worshippers dead and more than 60 injured.
Also,a 700 strong police contingent has been posted to North Eastern in the wake of increased terror attack.
Acting Minister for Internal Security Yusuf Haji also says a major change within top security officers has been carried out all in efforts to tighten security in Garrisa. Among the changes is the transfer of all top police bosses including the PPO Leo Nyongesa.
More Details
Kenya has implemented several significant security measures in Garissa County, particularly in response to escalating threats from Al-Shabaab militants.
1. 700 Police Officers Deployed in 2012
In July 2012, the Kenyan government deployed an additional 700 police officers to Garissa and its surrounding areas to combat increasing terrorist activities.
This deployment included 300 regular police officers, 100 Administration Police officers, and 300 local reservists. The officers were tasked with intensifying security patrols and collaborating with local vigilante groups to protect churches and other vulnerable sites.
2. 690 National Police Reservists Recruited in 2024
In November 2024, the Kenyan government recruited 690 National Police Reservists (NPR) from Garissa County. These reservists, many of whom are retired personnel with prior service in the disciplined forces, were stationed in various villages along the border with Somalia.
Their role was to complement regular security forces by providing localized intelligence and pursuing militants in areas that are difficult for regular forces to access.
3. Over 200 Officers Transferred in 2024
In April 2024, as part of a nationwide police reform initiative, over 200 police officers were transferred to Garissa County. This move aimed to address the region’s security challenges by rotating officers who had been stationed there for extended periods.
The transfers included 261 officers assigned to the Dadaab Refugee Camp and its eight command areas, while 259 officers who had been in the county for more than three years were reassigned elsewhere.
4. Recent Attack and Increased Security Measures
On March 23, 2025, Al-Shabaab militants attacked a National Police Reservists camp in Garissa County, resulting in the deaths of six reservists and injuries to four others.
The attackers overran the camp, seized weapons, and caused significant concern due to the proximity to the Somali border . In response, additional security personnel have been deployed to the area to bolster defenses and prevent further incidents.
These measures reflect Kenya’s ongoing efforts to enhance security in Garissa County and address the persistent threat posed by Al-Shabaab militants operating along the Kenya-Somalia border.
