A police officer was critically injured after being ambushed by armed attackers in Diff township, Wajir County, on New Year’s Day, authorities have confirmed.
According to police reports, the officer was shot by suspected gunmen at Diff Shopping Centre while driving an official police vehicle. The attackers forcibly removed him from the car before making away with it.
The incident occurred as the officer, who was driving a Toyota Land Cruiser, attempted to make a U-turn within Diff township. Witnesses said the assailants, believed to be four in number, opened fire using AK-47 rifles, shooting the officer in the chest and mouth.
Residents reported that the attackers were travelling in a white, unmarked Toyota Probox. Two of the suspects reportedly carried out the shooting while the remaining two stayed inside the waiting vehicle.
After shooting the officer, the gunmen drove off with the stolen Land Cruiser, which police believe was headed toward Hambalash Road near the Kenya–Somalia border.
The injured officer was rushed to hospital, where he is currently receiving specialised medical treatment. His condition was described as serious but stable.
Security agencies have launched investigations into the attack, with police mounting an operation to recover the stolen vehicle and apprehend the suspects.
Local officials expressed concern that the loss of the police vehicle has significantly reduced mobility for security officers in the area, complicating patrols and emergency response.
The incident adds to a growing list of similar attacks in northern Kenya, where police vehicles have previously been hijacked and allegedly driven across the border into Somalia.
Authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity as investigations continue.
