A notice warning police leaders of an impending citywide assault was deemed fraudulent by the National Police Service on Sunday night.
The service rejected the claim of sending a cautionary letter, addressed to its police leaders and signed by Dagoretti OCPD Kivinda Kilonzo, in a social media post.
The counterfeit letter sent to all stapols asserted that the militia group intended to strike the capital in retaliation for an attack that had resulted in injuries or fatalities among its members.
It also stated that the militia’s kidnapping of five chiefs in Mandera County was the initial act of resistance, occurring mere days ahead of President William Ruto’s planned 4-day visit to the Northeastern region.
“Al Shabab intends to execute terror attacks in Nairobi as revenge for the deaths of their leaders and fighters. The group is strengthened by the apprehension of government officials in the Northeastern region and assaults on government initiatives,” stated the counterfeit letter, which is dated February 7, in part.
Additionally, it warned that the intended targets included shopping centers, government facilities, and densely populated areas in the capital.
It added, “The targeted areas encompass major shopping centers, public spaces like leisure parks, essential government facilities, and western embassies and interests.”
“In the same way, locations in the city that experience high volumes of foot traffic, as well as those visited by non-nationals on a regular basis—like hotels, global education facilities, and recreational venues like shopping centers—are still at risk.”
“ction: All stapols The letter asserted the necessity of increased security vigilance and improved screening at essential government facilities and public areas throughout the city to prevent potential attack schemes by al-Shabab.
Less than a week after five chiefs from the administrative units of Wargadud East, Qurahmudow, and Chachabole were kidnapped by armed militants while in transit, the caution was issued.
The vehicle transporting them to Elwak was intercepted by hijackers between Bamba Owla and Ires Suki in Mandera South. The chiefs were on their way to a consultative meeting aimed at planning for the President’s forthcoming tour of the region.
Subsequent reports revealed that the al Shabaab militants sought a ransom of Ksh7 million for their release.
Previously, Ruto launched a verbal attack on the al-Shabaab insurgents for evading security checkpoints and entering the country. He promised to take action against them.
