LAIKIPIA, Kenya – Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has issued a strong warning that Kenya’s battle against the Somalia-based terror group Al-Shabaab is far from over, emphasizing that the country continues to face persistent threats—particularly in its border regions.
Speaking during a Jukwaa la Usalama public security forum in Laikipia County, Murkomen said that despite fewer headlines in recent months, attacks and attempted infiltrations by militants have continued unabated.
“We are fighting an enemy that is vicious; we have never stopped doing so,” Murkomen told residents. “Kenyans may not hear much about it, but the Al-Shabaab attacks have not stopped. We have experienced them continuously for the last 20 years or so.”
He praised Kenya’s multi-agency security teams—including the police, military, National Police Reservists, and local communities—for their resilience in thwarting attacks and safeguarding national interests.
“Our officers and reservists have done a wonderful job in protecting Kenyans and our critical infrastructure,” he said.
Murkomen acknowledged that the threat is compounded by instability in Somalia, especially in Jubaland and areas near Kenya’s northeastern frontier, which have seen renewed militant activity.
“We are well aware of the issues happening in border counties. The government remains committed to providing our officers with modern equipment and strategic support,” he assured.
Fresh Fears After Lamu Attack
The CS’s remarks follow a brazen attack by suspected Al-Shabaab militants on Basuba village, deep in Lamu County’s Boni Forest, on the night of July 25.
According to reports, approximately 60 heavily armed fighters stormed the village at around 9 p.m., firing indiscriminately and terrorizing residents in their homes.
Poor network connectivity in the remote region hindered timely calls for help.
The attackers reportedly surrounded a nearby General Service Unit (GSU) camp just meters from the village, leading to a fierce gun battle that lasted nearly an hour.
The militants fired four rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs) during the standoff.
Miraculously, no injuries or deaths were reported, but the incident has reignited concerns over the safety of civilians in high-risk areas near the Kenya-Somalia border.
A Persistent and Evolving Threat
Murkomen reiterated that the fight against terrorism is not confined to the battlefield but also includes intelligence sharing, community policing, and regional cooperation.
“We are constantly reviewing our strategies to stay ahead of the enemy. Al-Shabaab is evolving, and so must we,” he said.
His comments come as Kenya continues to participate in regional counter-terrorism efforts, including the African Union’s peacekeeping mission in Somalia, now transitioning under the new African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS).
Security experts have long warned that while Al-Shabaab may be weakened militarily, its ability to exploit porous borders and target soft civilian sites remains a serious concern.
