Just a day after the US warned of a terror attack at the Kenyan coast and advised its citizens to leave the city, it is unfortunate the same came to pass before our Government acted to prevent it.
It is more saddening that instead of investigating the ‘claims’, our Government through the minister for Tourism Dan Mwazo, acting Head of Public Service Francis Kimemia and Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka resorted to criticising the US for its “empty warnings” towards our nation!
The three went ahead to proclaim how those remarks could affect our tourist industry prospects and how they were spoiling the good name of this country to the rest of the world.
Sadly, the Government could not even give a chance for our security to dig deep into the “unwelcome allegations”. For me, the State put the cart before the horse. Between the tourism business and national security, which should have our priority? Of course, security comes first.
Its high time that the security of the nation is put first before everything else in this time of terrorism attacks and threats. Can now the Government give a lasting solution to security threats. {Makokha Geoffrey, Nairobi}
For the umpteenth time, the US gave a travel advisory to its citizens who are interested in visiting Kenyan coast for holiday and other purposes, last week. This move has aroused a protest from the Kenyan Government and the hospitality industry.
The travel advisory is motivated by what the US considers lack of security. It is true that terrorists have caused untold suffering in Nairobi, Mombasa and other towns this year — including Sunday’s incident — but the Government has been fighting terrorism to its best and nobody should paint a contrary picture to the world about it.
If the Government wasn’t committed to fighting insecurity and terrorism, our defence forces won’t have been sent to Somalia, last year. They are still there and doing their best to wipe out terror group Al Shabaab. This is ostensibly to ensure Kenya and foreigners residing here are safe. Massive resources have been used for this noble assignment and, to me, it is a clear indication Kenya is serious about fighting terrorism within and without.
In this assignment, international community has been supporting Kenya to ensure Kenya and East Africa at large is a safe haven to live in as well as invest.
Other efforts have also been put in place to secure major towns and cities by deploying more security officers and state of art equipment to curb terrorism.
It is therefore worrisome that US — without engaging Kenya — issued a travel advisory. We all know terrorism is a global concern and no country — not even the US — is indispensable.
Therefore, the US should reverse the decision for the sake of our tourism business.
{James Mwangi Kanyi, Nairobi}
I appreciate the US warning about the Sunday night terror attack in Mombasa, but condemn the manner in which they handled the issue. Unlike previous alerts, this one was specific in terms of location and timing and the US should have handed this information to the right parties and not the public.
The fact that police say US didn’t passed to them any intelligence relating to the attack makes the superpower look like an ‘insincere friend’ to Kenya. A good friend is always there for you and informs of any danger in advance and cares about your interests.
The US should understand it is peak time for our tourist business and handle the matter a little bit careful. Theirs was a selfish act. {Martin M Makundi, Mombasa}
