Police reassure Garissa residents of safety after Hulugho attack claims chief and teacher

The National Police Service has moved to reassure residents in Garissa County following an attack in Hulugho on Monday that left a chief and a teacher dead.

Police said the scene had been secured and operations intensified to track down those behind what they described as a cowardly act.

The service acknowledged the anxiety caused by the killings, assuring residents that their safety remains the government’s priority.

In a press statement issued on January 26, the police confirmed they were actively responding to the incident, which occurred earlier in the day, noting that a multi-agency security team was pursuing the perpetrators.

“The National Police Service (NPS) is aware of and is actively responding to a security incident that occurred earlier today… in the Hulugho area of Garissa County, in which a chief and a teacher were killed. We have immediately heightened security patrols and operations in the region and its environs,” NPS stated.

Police said the scene had been secured and operations intensified to track down those behind what they described as a cowardly act.

The service acknowledged the anxiety caused by the killings, assuring residents that their safety remains the government’s priority.

“We strongly wish to reassure the public, particularly in Hulugho, Garissa County, that their safety and security remain our utmost priority,” the statement added.

The National Police Service urged the public to remain calm, vigilant, and cooperative with ongoing investigations. They also appealed for information from the public that could assist detectives, directing citizens to contact nearby police stations or toll-free numbers 999, 911, or 112.

Information can also be shared anonymously through the #FichuaKwaDCI hotline.

The service emphasised its commitment to protecting Kenyans despite increased security threats.

“We will not be deterred by criminal acts and are resolute in safeguarding the lives and property of all Kenyans, residents and visitors,” NPS said.

Investigations and security operations in the area remain ongoing.

On Monday morning, two people, including a local administrator, were killed after suspected Al Shabaab militants staged a deadly dawn attack in Hulugho town, Garissa County.

Holugho chief Abdi Fatah Gani was shot dead after militants ambushed him at his residence at around 4 am.

The assailants, whose number was not immediately established, are reported to have stormed the chief’s home, shot him at close range in front of his family and later torched his vehicle before fleeing the area.

As they retreated, the militants also shot dead a teacher identified as Stephen Musili, a resident of the same neighbourhood.

According to local sources, the chief had been on the militants’ radar for some time due to his efforts to flush out Al Shabaab operatives and sympathisers from the area.

“It appears the militants had been closely monitoring the chief’s movements. They were uncomfortable with his work and deliberately targeted him for elimination. They knew exactly when to strike since he had just returned from Garissa,” said a source who sought anonymity.

The source added that the teacher was killed while attempting to flee after hearing gunshots.

“When the teacher heard the gunfire, he ran out of his house. Because his house is close to the chief’s residence, the militants spotted him, pursued him and shot him several times before escaping,” the source said.