US President Joe Biden’s administration released another security alert on Thursday, February 16, restricting its personnel from travelling to six counties.
In the alert, the US government referred to a notice issued by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki which declared the six counties as disturbed areas.
“The Government of Kenya has announced the deployment of additional security elements in the six Rift Valley counties to address threats to security, public order, and safety.
“US government personnel are restricted from traveling through the areas on this public order,” the alert read in part and cautioned against visit in Turkana, West Pokot, Elgeyo Marakwet, Baringo, Laikipia and Samburu counties.
The administration cautioned the staffers from visiting Turkana South, East and Loima sub-counties in Turkana County.
In West Pokot County, the US government restricted them from traveling to Pokot North and Sigor sub-counties stretching along the River Turkwel escarpment.
Baringo county was also included in the list. Specific areas in Baringo classified as disturbed areas were Mukutani, Muchongoi, Bartabwa, Tiaty East and Tiaty West Sub-counties.
Olmoran, Ng’arua, and Mukogodo divisions in Laikipia County were also included in the list of disturbed areas to which the US warned its staff from travelling to.
In Samburu, the US government named Loroki and Kirisia divisions. Its personnel was warned from visiting the areas during the multi-agency operation between Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) and Kenya National Police Service (NPS).
Further, the US Embassy in Nairobi advised its citizens to follow the instructions of local authorities and observe curfew hours.
“Monitor media and local event information sources and factor updated information into your travel plans,” US Embassy further stated.
On February 9, the US Embassy issued a terror alert but clarified that the Kenyan Government had increased surveillance.
“Terrorist groups could attack with little or no warning, targeting hotels, embassies, restaurants, malls and markets, schools, police stations, places of worship, and other places frequented by foreigners and tourists,” the alert read in part.
The latest alert came after Kindiki ordered the operation in the six counties following sustained attacks by bandits. Following the attack, several police officers were killed, and their vehicles torched.
Source: kENYANS.CO.KE