Report reveals rise in terror-related deaths despite decrease in attacks

At least 178 people were killed in terror-related activities in 2023, marking an increase from the 116 deaths recorded in 2022.

This is according to a recent report released by the Centre for Human Rights and Policy Studies (CHRIPS), which sheds light on the alarming trend of terrorist attacks in Kenya.

According to the findings, although there was a 5.2 per cent decrease in the number of terror attacks, the death toll soared, indicating the severity of the situation. This unsettling rise in fatalities emphasises the ongoing threat posed by violent extremism in the region.

The highest number of fatalities recorded was among security officials (75). The number increased by 42 compared to 2022, which had 33 security officials killed. The security officials fell victim to targeted attacks while on duty, whether in transit, on patrol, or stationed within police facilities.

"Most security officials have been directly targeted in transit, during patrol, and in police stations. Garissa recorded the highest number of fatalities among security officials, at 41; Mandera had 21, and Lamu had 12 deaths," the report notes.

The number of suspected Al-Shabaab militants killed in 2023 rose by 79 per cent compared to 2022. June emerged as the deadliest month that year, witnessing 58 injuries and 58 fatalities.

According to the report, July accounted for the second-highest number of fatalities, with 53 deaths and more than 16 people injured.

For instance, on July 5, Al-Shabaab militants attacked security officials at their camp in Ogorwen village, Mandera County. A battle resulted in the deaths of 20 suspected Al-Shabaab militants and left eight security officers injured.

On July 7, a similar attack took place in Orgene village, Mandera, resulting in the deaths of 23 Al-Shabaab militants.

Terror-related deaths in 2023.

Incidents highlighted in the report include civilian beheadings in Juhudi and Salama villages, as well as a case where 10 General Service Unit and eight Kenya Defence Forces officers sustained injuries after their armoured personnel carrier (APC) detonated an improvised explosive device (IED) in Lamu County.

Mandera, Lamu, Garissa, and Wajir emerged as the most affected counties by terror attacks in 2023. Mandera County, in particular, reported the highest number of incidents over the past five years, with 25 attacks recorded in the latest report.

"Mandera has consistently recorded the highest number of attacks in Kenya in the last five years. Attacks increased from 9 in 2019 to 29 in 2020, from 28 in 2021 to 37 in 2022 but decreased to 25 in 2023," the report notes.

Meanwhile, Garissa and Lamu experienced a concerning upward trend in attacks, contrasting with Wajir, which showed a decline over the same period.

Fatalities and injured persons between January and December 2023.

The report notes that in 2023, 59 people had been arrested on different counts of terrorism or being involved in terror-related activity.

"This is an increase from 29 people arrested in 2022 and an increase from 39 people arrested in 2021," CHRIPS said.

The North Eastern region, according to the report, and particularly near the Kenya-Somali border, witnessed the highest number of arrests.

Garissa County also saw the arrest of 12 individuals, with nine allegedly attempting to join extremist groups like Al-Shabaab and ISIS in Syria. Kilifi and Marsabit counties also registered significant arrest figures, with Siaya County identified as a recruitment hotspot for extremists.