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Police: Shabaab amassing fighters, security agencies, PSVs targeted


Police have warned that Al-Shabaab terrorists are plotting fresh attacks in the country and are amassing fighters near Somalia border to enter Kenya, with security personnel and public service vehicles (PSVs) being the targets.

In a statement, National Police Spokesman George Kinoti said Al-Shabaab has changed tact and split into smaller groups that are infiltrating the country through border towns like Mandera, Wajir, Garissa and Lamu, some pretending to be herders.

“It’s assessed that the possible targets for attack include security personnel and establishments along the border, as well as PSVs plying routes along the border. We have since heightened security alertness to avert any attacks, and equally appeal to the public to continue cooperating with security agencies and remain vigilant,” said the spokesman.

In the past, Al-Shabaab terrorists have attacked Mandera-bound buses killing dozens in dawn attacks.

He said the militants are taking advantage of the ongoing rains to infiltrate the country through the general areas of Kolbio and close to Hulugho in Garissa.

INTER-ETHNIC CLASHES

In Coast, Mr Kinoti says Al-Shabaab operative are seeking a return to the Boni Forest from where they have staged devastating attacks that targeted local police stations and civilian homes.

Police, however, say they have managed to thwart planned terror attacks in different parts of the country and are urging Kenyans to cooperate as the threat is still there.

“We have continued to discharge our mandate and acting in collaboration with other security agencies, we have played our part in coordinated operations against militant groups operating in Somalia that have been making attempts to infiltrate into our country. Of these groups, Al-Shabaab still remains the major threat particularly in areas along our common border with Somalia. Daesh, also known as ISIS is equally our major concern,” stated the spokesman.

Police added that the terror groups could take advantage of sub-clan clashes in northern Kenyan, urging elders to help them in preventing unnecessary clashes.

Police are preventing re-occurrence of inter-ethnic/tribal clashes in the north rift by enhancing law enforcement as well as use of dispute resolution mechanisms.