Kenya Prepared to Counter Al-Shabaab Threats, Interior Minister Says

NAIROBI, Kenya - The government of Kenya is alert and ready to handle security threats emanating from the Al-Shabaab militants, Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen said, following incidents relating to the Somalia-based group in recent weeks.

The Al-Shabaab militants have orchestrated attacks in various parts of the country for the last two months, with Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, and Lamu bearing the brunt of brutal attacks, leading to the loss of several lives.

At Embu in the eastern region during the Jukwaa La Usalama forum, Murkomen asked members of the public to closely work with security teams by reporting suspicious activities within their locations.

“This is a sensitive issue that requires a high level of responsibility on every part of us. Sometimes we amplify the success of the enemy without looking at the success of our men in uniform,” he said.

“It is the responsibility of every citizen in this country to support our security officers as we combat this enemy who has not been contained in their own country.”

The forum sought to bring together residents, police, and the local administration to discuss security challenges facing the region. Kenya has been facing an Al-Shabaab resurgence in recent weeks despite heightened security along the border.

A few days ago, five quarry workers were killed in Mandera, followed by an attack against security teams in Lamu that left 5 members of the Special Operations Group dead. But in the process, security teams have also managed to thwart Al-Shabaab attacks within the northeastern region.

GAROWE ONLINE