Kenya tightens security over possible terror attacks

Monday, April 27, 2015

NAIROBI -- Kenyan police said Monday security has been beefed up across the country, warning Somali militant group Al-Shabaab is planning several high scale attacks.

A situation report from Nairobi's divisional police commander Paul Wanjama warns Somali militant group Al-Shabaab is planning several high scale attacks, particularly in Nairobi on unspecified dates.

"In Nairobi, key targets include Parliament by planting a bomb within Parliament buildings," Wanjama said in its circular, noting that Al-Shabaab has dispatched Amniyats (its elite intelligence unit) spies to launch the attacks in places of worship, universities and open air markets.

Other targets include Muthurwa open air market, Nairobi Pentecostal Church and the University of Nairobi. Security has been enhanced at the university with visitors to the institution required to provide proof identity, according to the report.

"The group intends to use an operative who is affiliated to Pumwani Riyadh Mosque and who is also a staff member at the Senate to actualise the attack," Wanjama said.

The police commander asked security agencies to enhance pre- emptive measures by gathering intelligence on operatives, and tightening security of all named targets. "There is need to enhance security vigilance in the areas targeted by Al-Shabaab for attacks to neutralize the threats," he said.

Sources within the police force said security has also been increased at key government installations which the insurgents might plan to carry out attacks.

Al-Shabaab militants have vowed to attack Nairobi after the East African nation crossed border into southern Somalia in 2011 to flush out the insurgents it blamed for kidnappings of tourists.

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