Hiiraan Online
Wednesday May 9, 2018
A file photo of Charles Owino who is now National Police Service spokesman.
Nairobi (HOL) - Kenyan Police have issued a terror alert on Tuesday ahead of Ramadan calling on Kenyans to remain vigilant against possible attacks by Al-Shabaab.
Charles Owino, the police spokesman said that his office has received “credible intelligence” that Al-Shabaab is planning attacks in Kenya during the holy month of Ramadan which begins on May 15.
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Though the capability of al-Shabab has been greatly downgraded over time, we have credible intelligence suggesting that the militia group is planning to carry out further attacks in the country," Owino said in a statement issued in Nairobi.
"As we approach the holy month of Ramadan, terror groups have issued alerts urging their members to step up attacks during this period. The main terror groups including ISIS, Al-Qaida and al-Shabab have issued 'fatwas' calling for increased attacks during the holy month," Owino added.
Public places such as hotels, churches, bus stations and schools have been singled out as high-priority targets.
Owino called on the public to come forth with any information regarding suspicious individuals, assuring the public that their tip will be received with the utmost confidentiality.
"It is through the support given to the police by the members of the public that several key members of the of terror groups have been apprehended and many attacks targeting innocent members of public successfully thwarted," Owino said.
He highlighted the arrest of eight suspects wanted by Kenyan Police who were apprehended using information provided by the public. The police had placed a $160,000 USD bounty on the suspects.
Al-Shabaab militants have in the past have planned and carried out in during the holy month of Ramadan.