Gunmen killed a local chief and a primary school teacher in Hulugho, Garissa County, in a suspected attack early on Monday, January 26, 2026, heightening concerns over insecurity along Kenya’s border with Somalia.

The National Police Service (NPS) confirmed the deaths in a statement issued the same day, saying the attack occurred overnight in the border township of Hulugho. Police described the incident as a cowardly act and said security officers have secured the area as operations continue to track down the attackers.

Police identified the victims as Abdifatah Gani, also known as Abdifatah Mohamud or Abdi Gani Owl, the chief of Boma Location, and Stephen Musili, also reported as Stephen Vundi Musili, a teacher at Hulugho Primary School.

According to preliminary reports, the attackers targeted the two men at their homes in separate but coordinated attacks. In one incident, armed assailants stormed Chief Gani’s residence and shot him at close range in front of his family. The attackers then fled the scene before security officers arrived.

The attack happened at around 4am. The gunmen struck swiftly, killing their colleague and the area chief within a short time, leaving the community in shock.

Pattern of border attacks

The attack follows a familiar pattern of violence in Garissa County and other areas near the Kenya–Somalia border. Militants linked to Al-Shabaab have repeatedly crossed into Kenya to target local administrators, teachers, security officers and other civilians.

Previous incidents in the region have included improvised explosive device (IED) attacks on patrol vehicles and ambushes on security teams.

Garissa Member of Parliament Edo Udgoon Siyad condemned the killings and described them as a major loss to the community. He said the victims had served Hulugho with dedication and commitment.

“Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un. I send my condolences to the families of Chief Abdi Gani Owl and the dedicated teacher, both of whom served the Hulugho community with unwavering commitment,” Siyad said.

“They were tragically killed in a violent attack by suspected Al-Shabaab militants. Their deaths are a profound loss to their families and to the entire community. We condemn this senseless violence and stand united in support of all affected. May Chief Gani rest in Jannatul Firdaus, and may the teacher’s family find strength and peace,”

Police launch manhunt

The National Police Service, through Director of Corporate Communication Muchiri Yaga, said officers are actively responding to the incident. He confirmed that a multi-agency security team is pursuing the perpetrators and has intensified operations in the area.

“The National Police Service is aware of and is actively responding to a security incident that occurred earlier today, Monday, 26th January 2026, in the Hulugho area of Garissa County, in which a chief and a teacher were killed,” Yaga said.

He added that police have increased patrols in Hulugho and surrounding areas to prevent further attacks. Authorities urged residents to remain calm, stay alert and cooperate with security agencies.

The killings have renewed fears among residents and leaders in northern Kenya, who continue to call for stronger security measures to protect border communities. As the manhunt continues, Hulugho residents mourn the loss of two public servants whose work placed them on the frontline of a long-running security threat.