Tight security in Nairobiamid threats of terror attack following alert issued by US Embassy

Tight security amid threats of terror attack following alert issued by US Embassy

March 1, 2020 5:27 PM

On high alert

File image of police officers on duty

Kenyan Security agencies are on high alert following an alert issued by the United States of America embassy that terrorists are planning an attack.

Police officers were deployed along most of the roads with random searches conducted on cars across the city.

Armed police officers were deployed at various city facilities such as those near the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA),with security agencies teaming up with security guards at malls to ensure safety of Kenyans.

Police officers were also deployed to man places of worship, leaving little chance for the enemy to strike.

A spot check conducted across Nairobi revealed heavy presence of police patrolling the streets.

On Thursday night, the US embassy issued an alert that Al-Shabaab militants had sent terrorists to stage an attack on a major hotel in the city. “The exact hotel has not been identified, but it is believed to be a hotel popular with tourists and business travelers,” read the alert in part.

File image of police officers on duty Pulse Live Kenya

Reports indicate that Somalia-based extremist group, Al Shabaab that has suffered huge losses in the recent past could be planning a revenge attack following the killing of their leader and his wife who were linked to the January attack on Manda Bay, in Lamu, where American personnel were killed.

Police boss Hilary Mutyambai urged the public to be vigilant and help in weeding out “criminal elements” out to cause havoc in unspecified parts of the country.

“The National Police Service has increased border surveillance to ensure that criminal elements are cut from entering the country. However, we wish to caution the public to be extra vigilant even as the police and other security agencies continue to work round the clock to ensure the safety and security of our country and Kenyans at large,” said Mutyambai.