Nairobi–Garissa Highway Under Heavy Guard as IG Kanja Deploys Elite Units After Deadly Attacks
Kenya’s Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, has ordered the urgent deployment of specialised security units along the Nairobi–Garissa Highway following a surge in violent attacks that have left travellers fearful and paralysed transport along the key route.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the National Police Service confirmed that elite teams have been dispatched to restore order and reassure the public after a series of security incidents in parts of Mwingi and Garissa.
Authorities described the attacks in Tseikuru and Ukasi as “isolated incidents” carried out by a small group of individuals. However, the incidents have triggered widespread concern, with transport operators halting services and residents fearing further violence.
To stabilise the situation, heavily armed officers from the General Service Unit and the Rapid Deployment Unit have been deployed to escort vehicles and maintain round-the-clock patrols along the volatile stretch.
The security crackdown follows a sharp disruption of transport services, with several bus companies suspending operations over safety fears. Among them, Pacific Coach announced the suspension of its Nairobi–Garissa route, advising passengers to delay travel plans until stability is restored.
The company cited a recent attack in which one of its buses was ambushed and pelted with stones, shattering the windscreen and leaving passengers traumatised.
The unrest comes in the wake of a brutal attack on April 26 in Tseikuru, where at least seven people were killed. According to police reports, armed assailants stormed a village and opened fire indiscriminately before fleeing the scene.
Investigators believe the killings may be linked to retaliatory violence stemming from simmering tensions between local residents and a pastoralist community reportedly originating from Garissa.
Police have since appealed for calm, urging residents to avoid spreading unverified information and to continue with their daily routines as security operations intensify.
“We urge the residents of Tseikuru, Ukasi and surrounding areas to remain calm and go about their lawful business, and not to engage in speculation or actions that could escalate tensions,” the police said.
They added:
“We appeal to community elders, religious leaders, local administrators and political leaders to collaborate with security agencies, encourage peaceful coexistence, and focus on restoring trust and resolving disputes through dialogue and lawful means.”
Security agencies say operations will remain in place until normalcy is fully restored along the highway, a vital link connecting northeastern Kenya to the capital.
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