NAIROBI, Kenya Apr 21 – Police on Thursday night issued a terror alert warning that Al Shabaab terrorists have threatened to bomb public places particularly during the Easter holiday.
Police Commissioner Mathew Iteere said there was a potential threat by the Al Shabaab militants and urged members of the public to be vigilant, especially when visiting congested places.
He said police headquarters had received credible intelligence reports that the terrorists were planning possible violent attacks at shopping malls, places of worship, recreational areas and even government buildings.
“In the light of this, we wish to inform the public that police headquarters has received intelligence that the Al-Shabaab terrorist group has threatened to carry out violent attacks on certain targets in our major population centres,” a statement from the police said.
Consequently, the Commissioner said he had ordered the management of such places to beef up security, and notify police of any suspicious activities.
He said police had now enhanced security at government buildings and would also increase patrols at all parts of the country, particularly on targeted areas.
“We wish to assure the public that in conjunction with other security services, we have taken measures to improve security in and around the possible targets by among other things increasing security surveillance patrols,” the police chief said.
However, he added, as part of community policing, “we are advising the management of all the places mentioned and other places where a large number of people gather, enhance their security measures during this festive season.”
“Members of the public are also reminded that it is their civic duty to cooperate with legitimate security personnel at all times in order to improve security and safety for all,” he said.
There has been intense fighting by members of the Al Shabaab terror group at the Kenya-Somalia border, where they are battling troops of the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia.
Mr Iteere said security had been tightened at the border where a combined team of the army, Kenya police and Administration Police have been patrolling to curb any external aggression.
Follow the author at http://twitter.com/momanyibernard
About The Author
