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Police probe city barons for terrorism links


Eastleigh.

Power barons are being investigated by the police as the two-week-old security operation to rid Kenya of terrorists moves to the next level.

“We’re investigating some sympathisers, institutions and prominent financiers suspected to fund terror activities in the country,” said Inspector General of Police David Kimaiyo.

Nairobi News learnt that among the targets were banks, forex bureaus and other conduits that could be used for money laundering.

Separately, Director of Criminal Investigations Ndegwa Muhoro revealed that 20 foreign and local bank accounts had been earmarked for investigations.

At the same time more than 200 people were set to appear in court today after they were arrested and screened at Kasarani Stadium at the weekend, which has been gazetted as a holding centre by the government.

They include foreigners who were found to have been in the country illegally as well as Kenyans without Identity cards despite attaining 18 years.

The anti-terrorism crackdown which started in Eastleigh two weeks ago has been extended to the counties and 62 people were arrested in Nakuru at the weekend.

Mr Kimaiyo said that similar swoops have been conducted in Kilgoris, Lolgorian, Kericho, Sotik, Ruai, Kiambu, Isinya, Tala, Nakuru, Nairobi, Mombasa among others.

Most of those arrested are Somalia nationals and other foreigners including a European, a Liberian and Ethiopians.
Other suspects have been arrested in Isinya, Kisumu, Nakuru and Thika.

Since the operation began two weeks ago, nearly 4,000 people have been arrested.

A section of Muslim leaders had expressed discomfort over the manner in which the crackdown was being carried out and accused police of harassment.

The leaders also opposed establishment of a detention centre at the Kasarani Stadium in which those rounded up were screened before action was taken.

Mr Kimaiyo said the Security screening involved the National Registration Bureau, Immigration and Department of Refugee Affairs, whose officials are also temporarily based at the Stadium.