The National Police Service today placed a Sh14 million bounty on seven wanted terror suspects who are believed to be operating between Kenya and Somalia.
The Inspector General of police Joseph Boinnet yesterday released the photos of the seven terrorists who he said are linked to the recent resurgence of terror activities in Somalia and parts of North Eastern region and asked members of the public to be vigilant and report any suspicious persons to the nearest security agency.
The seven suspects are Abdullahi Issack Diyat aka Ubeyd, Ahmed Maalim Bashir, Sharif Sheikh Arab, Andikadir Haret Mohamed Yussuf Kuno and Ahmed Mahat Mohammed aka Jerry. The remaining two include Idriss Ismael Issack and a Mohammed (full name not known.)
The police believe the seven have been involved in a number of terror activities in the North Eastern region, particularly in Mandera County.
“We have reason to believe that they were instrumental in the planning and execution of attacks at Bisharo Lodge in October 2016, Jabane Hotel attack in January 2017 and Arabia Police camp in February 2017. We therefore urge the public to promptly report to the police should they see anyone of them,” the Inspector general said in a statement to the media.
The IG urged Kenyans to remain vigilant and assured them that the security agencies have taken preventive and other precautionary measures to counter any threats posed by terror groups.
“Any suspicious persons, activity of object should be reported to the nearest police station or through our toll free lines999, 112 and 911 for immediate action,” the IG said.
In October last year, suspected al Shabaab terrorists stormed Bisharo lodge in Mandera using Improvised Explosive Device (IED) and hand-propelled grenades and killed 12 non-locals.
Last month, Suspected al Shabaab terrorists killed a Kenya police reservist during another attack in Mandera town. The attackers had planted a bomb near Equity bank and two hotels in the town. The police suspected the assailants were targeting to attack Jabane guesthouse.
And earlier this month, terror suspects raided Arabia police post and stole BVR kits. The 22 officers manning the camp withdrew after a heavy exchange of fire. No officer was injured. However, a school boy who was hit by a stray bullet during the exchange died a few days later while receiving treatment at Mandera County Referral Hospital.
However, al Shabaab denied responsibility.
Days earlier, the militants had attacked a Kenya Defence Forces camp in Kulbiyow, Somalia.
