3 KDF Soldiers Killed, 7 Injured in Lamu IED Blast

Three Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) soldiers lost their lives and seven others sustained injuries on Tuesday, July 15, after their patrol vehicle hit an improvised explosive device (IED) along the Sankuri-Kiunga Main Supply Route in Lamu County.

In an official statement, the KDF confirmed the incident, describing it as a tragic loss during a routine patrol aimed at securing Kenya’s borders.

“Early this afternoon, Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) troops on patrol along the Sankuri-Kiunga Main Supply Route (MSR) encountered an improvised explosive device (IED). Regrettably, three gallant soldiers succumbed to their injuries. These soldiers paid the ultimate sacrifice while protecting the citizens of Kenya. The entire KDF fraternity condoles with their families,” the statement read.

Following the explosion, a joint multi-agency security operation was launched to track down those behind the attack. KDF said all access routes in and out of the area have been heavily manned to restrict the attackers’ movements.

“The security teams have intensified surveillance and patrols to ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice and to safeguard the region from further attacks,” the statement added.

The injured soldiers were evacuated to Kiunga hospital for treatment and are reportedly in stable condition. Some were later moved to specialized military medical facilities in the region.

This incident follows a similar attack in Garissa County, where civilians were killed after their vehicle drove over an IED suspected to have been planted by Al-Shabaab militants along the Ijara–Bodhai road. Authorities believe the explosive targeted security patrols frequently using the route.