The Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinnet has issued a red terror alert ahead of the December festive season saying the Al Shabaab terror group is trying ti infiltrate into the country.
Although the police boss said the security agencies have heightened surveillance across the country following thwarted attempts by Al Shabaab insurgents to infiltrate into the country, he urged all Kenyans to remain vigilant.
Through the National Police Service (NPS) spokesperson George Kinoti, Boinnet said the operatives of the terror network are changing tact by forming splinter smaller groups for easy infiltration into the country.
He singled out the Mandera, Wajir, garissa and Lamu counties as the most prone areas due to porous borders with Somalia.
“We are also aware that the Al shabaab is planning to amass its militants in Jedahaley area in Somalia, with intention of infiltrating into the country for attacks. Some are hiding in small groups pretending to be herders around Hida and Dambala in Somalia while plotting to sneak into the country.” Kinoti said.
The insurgents are said to be taking advantage of the ongoing heavy downpour to gain entry into the country through the areas of Kolbio and close to Hulugho area in Garissa County.
In what may further complicate the fight against terrorism, Isis also known as Daesh is said to be targeting Kenya youths for recruitment and radicalisation.
According to previous situational intelligence provided, the militant groups target school going students in primary, secondary and tertiary level for recruitment and indoctrination.
Police have also been deployed in South Coast region to tame runaway crime targeting boda boda operators in the area.
Last year, the nation mourned the gruesome massacre of 147 students, including 142 students, three security officers and two university security personnel during the Moi University Garissa branch attack.
In 2014, police closed down Darul Irshaade, an Islamic institution in Nguluni-Matungulu in Machakos County believed to be radicalising and indoctrination center of terror agents whose training has extended to Somalia.
According to Intelligence information provided since July 2011 when the institution was put under close surveillance, over 30 students aged between 18 and 30 have been killed over involvement in criminal activities and 10 more are suspected to be undergoing training in Somalia.
In 2013, police raided and closed down Al-Salaam Integrated School in Gilgil for teaching radical Islamic ideologies.
Meanwhile, despite the heavy police deployment in the volatile Kerio Valley over ongoing ethnic animosity between Marakwet and Pokot communities and Turkana-Pokot rivalry, NPS is seeking alternative long term dispute resolution measures through the national Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) to foster peace and harmony.
