Updated 1 hrs 5 mins ago
By Cyrus OmbatiPolice have warned that Al-Shabaab militants have trained and deployed their female suicide bombers to be used in attacking strategic places in the country.
Police headquarters on Tuesday issued guidelines that should be used by landlords, hoteliers, public service vehicles and the public at large to ensure the terrorists are tamed.
Spokesman Eric Kiraithe said intelligence report indicate a number of suicide bombers who include females are on the loose and ready to strike and urged for extra vigilance from the public especially while in crowded places.
“Our intelligence show the criminals are out to cause chaos using any means by attacking the innocent and our security officials. We urge for co-operation from the public to be able to stop them,” he said.
Kiraithe added following the collapse of Kismayu port, the militants are bitter and ready to revenge using all means.
Bulky clothing
He said people who are alone and nervous, wearing loose and bulky clothing that may not fit the weather, have exposed wires possibly through sleeves – for circuit detonation may be wearing an explosive vest.
He made the remarks following reports the suicide bombers are on the loose in the country.
But he added police are doing all they can to stop the gangs.
He told those manning security at various places and public areas to always endeavor to establish their customers’ identity by examining their identification documents.
“In a National Identity Card, check the names, date of birth, place of issue, date of issue, district of origin, Division, Location and sub-location. In case of a Passport, in addition to the above details, ascertain nationality, Date of issue, place of issue and expiry date.”
He asked the concerned parties to also check the validity of the visa, the stated purpose of visit, date visa issued and the port of entry into the country and the countries previously visited.
Kiraithe told landlords to establish whether what the tenants keep and do in the rented premises is covered by the terms of the applicable tenancy agreement.
“For example does the tenancy agreement authorize storage or handling of explosives, welding, metalwork.”
Police told PSV operators to ascertain what luggage/cargo they are transporting and warned that ignorance will not be an excuse or defence.
“Remember you can be charged for aiding and abetting crime by failing to take preventive action,” he said.
The police boss urged owners of business to deploy modern technology including CCTV and scanning machines.
Luggage content
On luggage, he asked parties to ascertain the contents and identify the owner of the cargo left and if not certain of the nature of the luggage not to allow them.
He warned the public against rushing towards a scene or explosion and be wary of secondary explosions.
Kiraithe told guards to always engage people they suspect by asking them questions on their identity.
“Attempt interrogation to isolate open lies or deliberately inaccurate information. If they display anxiety or turn hostile- alert authorities.”
On September 13, police arrested 26-year-old Omar Abdi Aden, alias Salman Abdi. He was convicted and jailed for 59 years after he was found with four suicide vests, 12 grenades, four IEDs, four AK-47 assault rifles and 480 bullets.
He pleaded guilty after he was charged with being a member of Al-Shabaab and for planning terror attacks in Nairobi. He was charged alongside Mr Abdimajid Yassin Mohammed alias Ali Hussein who denied the charges.
The duo was found in a house in Nairobi’s Eastleigh estate and police said they had been planning to blow up churches and assassinate prominent politicians.
Kiraithe made the remarks as Kenya sent more security personnel to major entry points to the main Somalia borders after the collapse of Kismayu.
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