Terror alert issued as police arrest four suspects in Kenya

Inspector General Joseph Boinnet address members of the press on security situation across the country on 22/07/2015. Photo by WILLIS AWANDU/STANDARD

Kenyans have been warned of possible terror attacks during the holy Ramadhan period.

Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinnet issued the alert and urged the public to be vigilant and volunteer any information that will lead to arrest of suspected terrorists.

Already four individuals have been arrested at the Coast who were behind the killing of three elders in Ukunda and Kwale counties.

“Investigations have revealed that the culprits are members of the Al Shabaab terror group. Security agencies are still in pursuit of those in the run,” said Boinnet in a statement.

Despite the Ramadhan period being a time of prayer and reflection among the Muslim faithful, Boinnet said terror groups may take advantage to commit atrocities targeting innocent civilians.

“As we may be all aware terror attacks have previously been witnessed during such period. We therefore call upon Kenyans to exercise extra vigilance and report suspicious activities or elements and agencies,” said Boinnet.

Boinnet noted that in the past few weeks the police have witnessed sporadic attempts to stage terror attacks in Mandera and Wajir counties which were repulsed indicating the determination by Al Shabaab to unleash mayhem.

This, he said, signals the determination of the enemy to conduct attacks in the country in retaliation to the several losses suffered at the hands of Amisom forces in Somalia.

He cited the area along Kenya Somalia border as the highest risk of such attacks.

He pointed out that some terrorists are suspected to have sneaked into Malindi, Mombasa and Nairobi.

“...hence PSV operators, hotel keepers are requested to exercise extra vigilance,” he said.

The IG noted that terrorists may also masquerade as herders looking for pasture or refugees to infiltrate into the country.

With that reality, he said “We therefore ask for vigilance particularly Boni forest and its environs, Kiunga, Mandera, Wajir, Ijara and Garissa.”