Interior Cabinet Secretary, Professor Kithure Kindiki, on Saturday February 18, shared his views over the recent terror alerts in the country.
While speaking to local leaders in Mandera, Kindiki noted that the national government had developed strategic counter-terrorism structures geared towards curbing the threats.
Kindiki, however, acknowledged the threat of terrorism in the country and asked residents in Northern Kenya to work closely with the government to eradicate the security challenge.
“We are doing everything possible including looking for resources, working with local leaders and our officers to ensure that terrorism is eradicated,” Kindiki assured.
The Cabinet Secretary also asked Kenyans to be vigilant and report suspicious people to the authorities.
He revealed that President William Ruto’s government established necessary systems to arrest terrorists crossing into Kenya from neighbouring countries.
“The people perpetrating terrorism are well known by the local residents, and it’s important for the leaders to work with the government in eradicating the vice,” Kindiki urged.
Police officers were under strict orders to increase counterterrorism patrols in the country, particularly in Northern parts of Kenya.
“We will win the war against terrorism, and I have ordered the County Security Team to work with local leaders in rooting out terrorism from among the local population.
“I would like to request local leaders and elders to cooperate with our police officers in order to arrest the terror suspects who are among you,” Kindiki pleaded with Mandera elders.
The United States of America, on February 9, 2023, issued what it termed as a ‘high level’ terror alert to Kenyans and its citizens living in the country.
America warned its citizens that terrorists were targeting high-traffic areas frequented by foreigners and tourists in Nairobi.
“Locations frequented by U.S. citizens and other foreigners and tourists in Nairobi and elsewhere in Kenya continue to be attractive targets to terrorists planning to conduct potentially imminent attacks,” the US Embassy in Kenya stated.
The US Embassy in Nairobi warned that the terrorist groups could attack with little or no warning, especially targeting hotels, embassies, restaurants, malls and markets.
Americans claimed that the terrorists were also targeting schools, police stations, places of worship, and other places frequented by foreigners and tourists.
The UK High Commission also issued a security alert to its citizens. On February 8, the Commission cautioned of a possible terror threat in Kenya.
Source: kENYANS.CO.KE