The National Police Service has deployed General Service Unit (GSU) and Rapid Deployment Unit (RDU) officers to escort vehicles along the Mwingi-Garissa road following recent attacks that disrupted travel, triggered protests and forced some bus companies to suspend services.
In a statement on Wenesday, National Police Service spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga said the deployment is part of ongoing security operations in Tseikuru and Ukasi aimed at restoring calm and protecting motorists, businesses and residents.
The move follows days of tension in parts of Mwingi and Nguni after deadly attacks linked to suspected armed pastoralists, including the killing of a 14-year-old school pupil in Ukasi and the earlier Kwa Kamari attack in Tseikuru.
Police said specialised security teams had been deployed to provide vehicle escorts along the highway, a key transport corridor linking Nairobi and Garissa, after insecurity concerns disrupted passenger movement and raised fears among transport operators.
“The NPS has deployed specialised teams, including the General Service Unit and Rapid Deployment Unit, to escort vehicles along the Mwingi-Garissa Road and to enhance safety and security for businesses, travellers and the general public,” said Mr Nyaga.
The police also said investigative and intelligence teams were pursuing suspects linked to the recent attacks, adding that those responsible would be apprehended and prosecuted.
The deployment comes after protests in Nguni and unrest in Mwingi Town, where demonstrations over insecurity disrupted business and transport, piling pressure on the government to respond.
In its statement, the National Police Service appealed for calm, urging residents not to allow criminal elements to fuel division between communities, while calling on local leaders and the public to support efforts to restore peace.
The latest intervention is expected to ease concerns among travellers and traders, even as security agencies race to contain tensions in the volatile border region.
