Nairobi PC Njoroge Ndirangu said security had been tightened in the City in the wake of increased terror attacks. Photo/ FILE
NAIROBI, Kenya, Dec 11 – The government on Tuesday announced that it had arrested over 600 people following bomb attacks in Eastleigh last week, which left six people dead and about 40 others injured.
Nairobi Provincial Commissioner Njoroge Ndirangu said operations were ongoing to arrest other suspects and also people living in Kenya illegally.
“More than 600 people have been arrested some of whom have been arraigned in court. Quite a number of them have been convicted and ordered for reparation because many have been found to be aliens. The operations are still ongoing until we flush out all criminals, not only in Eastleigh but in all parts of this country,” he warned.
Waweru said it was unfortunate that most of the people arrested had escaped from the Dadaab camp which hosts refugees from Somalia.
On Saturday, he said the government was in consultations with UNHCR to have Somali refugees return to their country.
Despite the myriad of attacks that Kenya has suffered after deploying Kenya Defence Forces to silence Al Shabaab and free Somali citizens from lawlessness that left the country on its knees for decades, Waweru was optimistic that the government will provide ample security to all Kenyans.
As the country marks its 49th Independence Day popularly known as Jamhuri Day on Wednesday, Waweru assured Kenyans of security during the celebrations that will be held at the Nyayo Stadium.
The Provincial Commissioner detailed the government’s plan to deploy adequate security including police officers and sniffer dogs.
“We increased more measures to ensure the screening is done thoroughly. We will be deploying human and animal power, this is after we have analysed the need and the threats we have been experiencing, we have enhanced security and therefore Kenyans should feel secure,” he promised.
Those who wish to attend the celebrations were advised to be seated by 9am to avoid unnecessary movements when the event to be officiated by the president kicks off at 11am.
He urged people to turn up in big numbers to mark the important year which not only marks the end of the old constitution but also ushers Kenya into the next general election that will be held under a new constitution.
As the norm, music, colour and pomp will carry the theme of the day including speeches from top government officials with the president’s remarks capping the event.
According to Waweru, Kenyans ought to celebrate the achievements made some of which will forever change the history of Kenya especially in view of the devolved government intended to distribute resources across the country.
Kenya will also have new electoral seats such as governors, senators, youth and women representatives.
The 2012 Jamhuri Day will also be Kibaki’s last national public day appearance as the President of the Republic of Kenya.
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