Kenya police release pictures of 15 Al-shabaab suspects

Written By:Margaret Kalekye,    Posted: Sat, Dec 31, 2011

The suspects include nine Kenyans, two Asians and four Somalis (Graphics by Delma Abina) Police have released names and pictures of 15 suspects linked to Alshabaab terror group. Police spokesman Eric Kiraithe says the suspects who include nine Kenyans, two Asians and four Somalis aged between 24 and 32 years entered Kenya from Kismayu and is urging Kenyans to report their whereabouts to the police. Speaking Saturday during the Operation Linda Nchi  press briefing at Vigilance house, Kiraithe said they have information that all the 15 left Kismayu recently headed for Kenya with some are believed to be already in the country. "Most of the Kenyans are known to have resided in  Majengo area of Nairobi and Mombasa before leaving for Somalia about an year ago" he said Kiraithe at the same time said police have intensified security surveillance, patrols to ensure internal security even as Kenyans usher in the new year.  He asked event organizers to seek clearance from police before holding public functions. He at the same time asked Kenyans to avoid fire work displays as they are false alarms that will confuse police on patrol. "We will not entertain visitors who abuse our hospitality by engaging in activities such as subverting law and order in Kenya" the police boss warned. The military meanwhile has hailed the police for their efforts in ensuring normalcy is restored in areas that were under threat of the Al Shabaab. Military spokesman Colonel Cyrus Oguna said the Operation Linda Nchi has completely disorganized Al Shabaab militants in Somalia.  He said the Kenyan troops and TFG have cut off Al Shabaab's source of funding including charcoal burning. "We destroyed Al Shabaab's financial arm, we expect members of Al Shabaab to defect in coming days, weeks" said Colonel Oguna He appealed to the  international aid agencies to move into Somalia to help local people who had been marginalized. On casualties, Oguna said so far six Kenyan soldiers have so far been killed in the war against Al Shabaab. " KDF has lost 6 soldiers, 21 injured and 1 still missing at sea since the operation started". Kenya is also set to host an anti-piracy conference at heads of state level on February 9 and 10 in Nairobi.