A police officer has been shot dead in an ambush by gunmen suspected to be members of the al-Shabaab terror group in the Dagahaley area of Wajir County. The tragic incident occurred on the evening of Wednesday, October 22, 2025, along the Dagahaley–Mathabaquay route.
According to police reports, the slain officer, identified as Constable Elijah Orwa, was among a team of law enforcement officers responding to a shooting incident in the area. The group consisted of three police officers and two members of the National Police Reserve. They were travelling in a private salon car when they fell into the hands of armed assailants who had laid an ambush.
Upon arriving at the scene, the attackers opened fire, prompting a fierce exchange of gunfire. The officers attempted to take cover in a nearby thicket as the confrontation intensified. In the chaos, Constable Orwa was fatally wounded. His body was later discovered lying in a pool of blood beside his rifle, which remained loaded with 30 bullets and three pouches, indicating he had been ready to defend himself and his team.
The surviving officers remained pinned down at the scene for several hours, unable to leave as they awaited reinforcements. They feared the attackers were still lurking nearby, waiting for another opportunity to strike. The situation was tense as security forces coordinated efforts to recover the body and secure the area.
Authorities suspect the assailants to be members of the Somalia-based al-Shabaab militant group, which has continued to pose a serious threat to security in the region. The terror group is known for crossing into Kenya through the porous border to carry out attacks targeting security personnel, civilians, and infrastructure.
The government has intensified operations in northern Kenya to combat terrorism and improve safety for residents. However, the vast terrain and remote nature of some areas make it difficult for security forces to respond swiftly to threats.
The incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by police officers operating in volatile regions and underscores the persistent danger posed by extremist groups. Security agencies have since launched a manhunt for the attackers as investigations into the ambush continue.
