55 police officers killed in 2024 as Kenya thwarts 47 terror attacks in two years

At least 55 police officers have been killed in the line of duty in 2024, with 830 others injured, as announced by Acting Interior Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi.

Over the past six years, Kenya has also tragically lost 383 officers.

Speaking on Thursday at Harambee House, Nairobi, Mudavadi expressed deep gratitude for the sacrifices made by security personnel, describing them as "the often unsung heroes" who ensure the safety and freedoms enjoyed by the nation.

"We owe a debt of gratitude, unwavering commitment, often at great personal risk, securing the freedoms and peace we cherish. You are the guardians of our nation's security, and your sacrifices do not go unnoticed," Mudavadi said, noting the critical role of law enforcement in maintaining national safety.

The CS stressed the immense risks security officers take to protect the country, emphasizing their unwavering commitment.

"We owe a debt of gratitude, unwavering commitment, often at great personal risk, secures the freedoms and peace we cherish. You are the guardians of our nation's security, and your sacrifices do not go unnoticed," he said.

Counterterrorism efforts

Turning to Kenya's progress in counterterrorism efforts, Mudavadi noted significant improvement in the country's Global Terrorism Index.

The index's impact score for Kenya is said to have decreased from a high in 2023 to a medium in 2024, which according to the CS signals a positive shift in the fight against terrorism.

"From January 2022 to November 2024, Kenyan security forces successfully thwarted 47 terrorist attacks across the country, " Mudavadi announced.

Mudavadi said that the convictions were a result of the partnerships and collaborations they have been building.

"The trainings and equipment support from international agencies came in handy," he said.

He added that Kenya is pleased to have made progress in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism.

"This can be shown with the global terrorism index score which decreased from very high in 2023 to medium in 2024," he said.

The planned attacks targeted citizens, key national infrastructure, security establishments, and foreign interests.

On January 9, 2024, a report from counter-terrorism agencies revealed that police had stopped up to 30 terrorism incidents that could have been deadly in that year.

The attacks were stopped through pre-emptive, intelligence-led counter-terrorism operations.

The report also stated that these planned attacks were from al Shabaab and Daesh terror groups and their branches.

Daesh activities in Kenya have mostly been linked to their operations in the region, including groups like the Islamic State in Somalia (IS-Somalia), the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), also known as Islamic State Central Africa Province (ISCAP) operating in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and the Islamic State in Mozambique (IS-Mozambique).

Their activities ranged from local operations to regional logistical tasks, including moving funds, recruits, and media propaganda, mainly through various online platforms.

Kenya's commitment to national security as noted by CS Mudavadi is further evidenced by its success in airport security.

He revealed that the country recently achieved an impressive 91.77 per cent rating in the Universal Security Audit Program, securing second place in Africa for the highest levels of safety and security at airports, including Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).

Collaborative efforts among multiple agencies have also led to significant seizures at airports, including 2,540 kilograms of elephant ivory, 1,547 kilograms of bushmeat, and 5.92 kilograms of rhino horns.

'Five suspects were arrested and prosecuted this year in the mining sector, there have been instances of illegal mining activities resulting in loss of revenue to the government through tax evasion, corruption and fraud," Mudavadi added.

Illegal Mining

The Interior CS also highlighted Kenya's continued fight against corruption, particularly in public resources management.

He lauded the government's efforts to establish high standards of accountability and integrity within the public sector. This has been crucial in safeguarding the nation's well-being and fostering development.

Moreover, the country has made significant strides in tackling illegal mining, a sector notorious for tax evasion, corruption, and fraud.

The government recently established a Mining Police Unit to address these illegal activities, which are prevalent in several counties including, Taita, Taveta, Kwale, Migori, Kakamega, Vihiga, Siaya, Marsabit, West Pokot, Samburu, Garissa, Kajiado, Mandera and Machakos.