Kenya Police on High Alert As Al Shabaab Plans Attacks During Elections

Security agencies in Kenya have been asked to be on high alert during the voting period after credible intelligence reports indicated that Somalia-based Al-Shabaab terror group is planning to launch attacks in seven counties bordering Somalia.

Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, Lamu, Tana River, Kilifi and Mombasa are the seven counties targeted by the Militants, the report shows.

Intelligence reports from the Anti-Terrorism Police Unit and National Intelligence Service indicates that the terror group is on a mission to conduct several attacks in the seven counties with an aim to cause fear among Kenyans and stop them from taking part in the elections.

“They are keenly following political happenings in the country. Al-Shabaab sees Kenya’s highly polarized elections as a fertile ground for mayhem,” a security analyst warned.

Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinnet and Police Spokesman George Kinoti are yet to comment the report, but a senior police officer told the Nation that as it stands, terror attacks were imminent.

“We have directed our officers to remain on high alert across the country because the threats are serious.

"The objective is to cause panic as we head to elections but we want everyone to be vigilant and come out to shame them,” the source privy to the terror alert said.