The National Police Service (NPS) has reassured the public of heightened security in response to fresh terror threats, particularly with the approaching anniversaries of the Westgate attack and the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel. The East African region remains on high alert as intelligence reports suggest potential attacks to mark these significant dates. In response, security agencies have conducted operations, leading to arrests aimed at disrupting any potential plans.
NPS spokesperson Dr. Resila Onyango confirmed that police have been deployed across the country and remain vigilant, emphasizing the importance of multi-agency cooperation at national, regional, and international levels. Onyango urged the public to report any suspicious activities or persons to the police through toll-free numbers or the FichuakwaDCI hotline.
In line with the ongoing threat, the US and UK embassies issued travel advisories to their citizens in Kenya, cautioning them to remain vigilant against potential kidnappings and attacks on places frequented by tourists and foreigners. The US embassy particularly warned that terrorist groups could launch attacks with little or no warning, highlighting areas such as hotels, restaurants, malls, schools, and places of worship as potential targets.
The NPS continues to collaborate with other security agencies to ensure public safety and prevent any potential attacks.
The heightened security alert issued by the US and UK embassies is partly due to the global observance of anniversaries of significant terror attacks. The advisory warns that terrorist groups might strike with little or no notice, targeting locations such as hotels, embassies, restaurants, malls, and markets. To mitigate risks, the embassy advised avoiding crowded areas and places frequently visited by foreigners, including schools, police stations, and places of worship.
UK citizens were specifically urged to review their local security plans and stay updated through media alerts. The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) advised against all but essential travel within 60 km of Kenya’s border with Somalia, including Eastern Garissa County and parts of Mandera and Wajir counties, due to the heightened risk of terrorism from groups based in Somalia.
In response to these threats, Kenyan security agencies have intensified their operations. Acting Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli recently led a team of top police officials, including Director of Criminal Investigations Mohamed Amin and General Service Unit (GSU) Commandant Ranson Lolmodooni, on a security assessment mission to Mandera, Garissa, and Wajir Counties.
The visit aimed to evaluate the security situation in these regions, which have faced persistent terrorism challenges due to their proximity to Somalia.
Masengeli emphasized that the assessment would provide valuable insights into the regional security landscape and help implement effective measures to maintain peace and order across the nation.
Police operations in the border region have been intensified to counteract terrorist activities, particularly from Al-Shabaab militants who frequently cross from Somalia. The region has suffered numerous attacks, often involving local aid, due to the ongoing instability in Somalia since the fall of Siad Barre in 1991. Al-Shabaab, an extremist group, has targeted Mandera and Garissa counties, resulting in significant casualties among civilians and security personnel.
