SMSs warn of terror attacks at city malls

PHOTO | FREDRICK ONYANGO | FILE A section of the Junction shopping mall in Nairobi. NATIONMEDIA GROUP

Monday, October 28, 2013

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Security has been boosted at two shopping malls in the city following text messages sent randomly that customers should keep off the centres over an impending terror attack.

Guards at the Prestige and Junction shopping malls in Nairobi said they had stepped up security checks and reported to the police about the alarming text messages.

The police responded by sending teams to the malls to investigate the source of the messages.

A private firm official in charge of security at the Prestige mall on Ngong Road said a customer came running to the mall on Saturday afternoon and showed guards a text message urging people to keep off the two shopping complexes.

“It read: ‘Terror plot under way at the Prestige and Junction. Keep off,’” he told the Nation.

The customer at the Prestige mall is said to have hurriedly picked up his child, who was playing on the roof, and left.

ADEQUATE SECURITY MEASURES

A security officer who did not want to be named as he is not authorised to speak to the media said a decision was made not to alert the rest of the customers as it would create panic.

He said they took adequate security measures, including informing the police about the alarming text messages.

On Sunday, normal activities were going on at the malls. Customers were going on with their shopping as their children played, which perhaps shows that the text messages were only sent to specific individuals.

There was, however, thorough scrutiny of vehicles and individuals walking in at both shopping centres.

At the Junction mall, a security officer who requested anonymity said he was aware of the text messages circulating. Security checks have been heightened to ensure the safety of customers, he added.

Kilimani police boss Peter Katam said they had intensified security surveillance at the two malls, including CCTV monitoring.

“The police received the alert messages a week and a half ago, including some that were sent yesterday,” said Mr Katam.

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