By Antynet Ford
The national police service has reassured Kenyans of their safety and security amid fresh terror threats ahead of the Westgate attack anniversary.
NPS spokesperson Resila Onyango said police deployed across the country remain alert.
“The National Police Service is committed to the multi-agency security strategy and is working closely with other security agencies at national, regional, and international levels as well as members of the public, through intelligence-led policing.” Resila said.
She asked the public to collaborate with the police by reporting suspicious activities or persons to the nearest police station or through toll-free numbers 112, 991 and 999 or FichuakwaDCI hotline 0800722203.
The East Africa region has been on alert following reports terrorists may try an attack to mark the day.
This included operations that led to the arrest of several people who were interrogated and released to disrupt any plans for attacks.
Officials say more measures have been put in place to address terror threats.
The US and UK issued a travel advisory and asked their citizens to remain vigilant.
The American embassy in Nairobi in a security alert issued on Friday, September 13, advised their citizens to be on the lookout for potential kidnappings and attacks on areas frequented by tourists.
Citing the past attacks such as the West Gate attack and the Israel attack by Hamas, the embassy said terrorists may seek to mark the anniversary.
“Terrorist groups could attack with little or no warning, targeting hotels, embassies, restaurants, malls and markets, schools, police stations, places of worship and other places frequented by foreigners and tourists.” They said in their warning message.
The US said acts of terror occur with no warning hence the need to be vigilant at all times.
It was also explained that the security alert was informed by the terror attack anniversaries that are being observed across the globe.
Terrorist groups could attack with little or no warning, targeting hotels, embassies, restaurants, malls and markets.
Following the advisory, the Embassy listed actions that ought to be taken as a precaution including avoiding crowded areas, schools, police stations, places of worship and other places frequented by foreigners.
UK citizens were also called upon to review their local security plans and always monitor the media for updates and alerts.
“Due to the risk of terrorism from groups based in Somalia, FCDO (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) advises against all but essential travel to within 60km of Kenya’s border with Somalia, Eastern Garissa County, up to 20km north-west of the A3 road, including the Boni National Reserve and Mandera County, excluding Mandera West sub-county,” states the UK on its website.
As part of efforts to address the fears, security agencies have heightened operations in the country.
Acting Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli led top police commanders to northern Kenya for a security-related visit. He and his team left the region meetings with security and political leaders.
Masengeli on September 9 flew to Mandera Garissa and Wajir Counties which are some of the most affected places by terrorism.
He was accompanied by Director of Directorate of Criminal Investigations Mohamed Amin, and General Service Unit (GSU) Commandant Ranson Lolmodooni.