The government has stepped up surveillance and screening of foreigners and visitors along the common borders following threats by the al Shabaab to carry out more attacks in the country. Security and immigration officers have been directed to carry out intense checks on all people crossing the borders between Kenya, Uganda, South Sudan and Ethiopia.
All vehicles are being screened by police who have increased road blocks in areas near the border following directives from Police Commissioner Mathew Iteere. "We have fresh orders from police headquarters to intensify our surveillance and checks at all border points," said one of the officers manning the Malaba border post.
Police spokesman Erick Kiraithe said security within the borders has also been stepped up to ensure that terrorist linked groups do not attack. "Police will remain on high alert internally and along the common borders and we are asking members of the public to be extra vigilant at all times," said Kiraithe.
Al Shabaab militiamen who have been hitting parts of Northern Kenya have threatened to carry out more attacks inside the country in revenge for the ongoing military operation by the Kenya Defense Forces in Somalia. KDF says it has so far killed more than 700 militants. Last week, suspected al Shabaab militia attacked an AP camp and killed several people. Others were abducted and are still missing. The government has also directed owners of key public places including shopping malls and supermarkets not to relax security measures.
Meanwhile, tension remains high along the Kenya-Ethiopia border in Turkana following a raid by armed bandits who killed two people including a police reservist. Turkana North DC Albert Mwilitsa said some families have fled from Lokorianyang area following increased attacks by militiamen from Ethiopia.
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