Security agencies on high alert over 'terror' reports

Kakamega, Kenya: Security agencies in western region are on high alert following intelligence reports that the region may be attacked by terrorists who are also on a plot to radicalise youth from the region.

Security has been beefed up in learning institutions, worshipping centres and shopping malls.

"We have intelligence information that terrorists may attack the region. We are on a high alert to combat any security threat," said Dickson Njiru, the Assistant Inspector General in charge of security coordination in Kakamega County.

Due to the alert, security agencies have warned the youth against being radicalised to join terror groups saying they will be dealt with according to the law.

Speaking after attending a security meeting in Kakamega, the officers warned the youth against accepting to join terror groups and asked Kenyans to be on the front line in the fight against terrorism.

The meeting was attended by top police officers from Kakamega, Bungoma, Busia and Vihiga in their bid to share intelligence information and strategise on modalities of tackling radicalisation, terrorism and insecurity.

On Saturday last week, six suspects were arrested for allegedly being members of the terror group.

Assistant Inspector General in charge of Western Region Moses Ombati, said police will deal with any security threat in the region.

"We have had a meeting with security officers in charge of Kenya Police, Administration Police, Criminal Investigation Department and traffic department to harmonise our security operations to deal with any activity that may undermine security in this region," said Ombati.

He asked Kenyans to support the fight against terrorism and insecurity in the country by providing information to security agencies.

He also asked the public to flush out criminals and any suspects in a bid to enhance security.

"The war against terrorism and insecurity can be won if Kenyans support it. They should flush out criminals in their midst and also report any suspicious people," he said.

"Boda boda riders should not just fall victims of insecurity, they should interrogate their customers first before accepting to carry them. They should even do a search to check if the customer is armed or not," he advised.

Meanwhile, Navakholo MP Emmanuel Wangwe has asked the government to offer security agencies with modern equipment and training to handle terror activities.

He said terrorists have upgraded their activities by using modern technology and equipment to attack Kenyans.

"It will be hard for our officers to combat their activities if they are not trained using modern technology and weapons to deal with the militia groups," said Wangwe.

He urged Kenyans to help security agencies in their bid to deal with insecurity and terror threats in the country.