Kenya warns over incursion of fleeing Al-Shabaab militants

Wednesday March 23, 2016

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Kenyan police say they have stepped up surveillance across the country, warning that Al-Shabaab militants, fleeing military operations in southern Somalia, may sneak into the country.

Inspector General of Police, Joseph Boinett, on Tuesday urged Kenyans to remain vigilant, saying the militants may stage attacks in Kenya.

"Al-Shabaab elements have been fleeing in different directions with some heading towards our border," Boinett said in a statement issued in Nairobi.

He asked the public to report any suspicious person or activity to police immediately.

The warning comes after Kenyan troops, part of the African Union (AU) force in Somalia, killed 34 Al-Shabaab militants and captured a middle-level commander in two operations in Somalia over the weekend.

Two Kenyan soldiers however died in the attacks, said army spokesman, David Obonyo.

Boinett also called on private security providers to tighten security.

"Hotel operators and their innkeepers as well as those offering their premises for short lets are advised to thoroughly scrutinize their prospective clients before admitting them," the army chief said.

He added all vehicles accessing public places must be subjected to thorough search.

Islamist group Al-Shabaab has carried out several bloody attacks in Kenya after Kenya sent its troops to Somalia in 2011 to battle the militants.

Kenya has more than 4,000 troops in the 22,000-strong AU force in Somalia, which has been helping the Somali government battle Al-Shabaab. Enditem

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