GSU deployed in Nairobi, Western Kenya over threats of Mpeketoni-like attacks

Kenya: Tension rose in some areas in Nairobi, Kisumu and western Kenya Tuesday after the government deployed paramilitary GSU personnel over claims of rising threats.

Officials said the decision to deploy GSU to Mathare, Kibera, Kisumu and Bungoma was informed by intelligence that there would be more attacks  similar to Mpeketoni killings in which more than 50 people were killed in two nights.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph Ole Lenku insisted the killings in Mpeketoni were politically motivated and that they had reliable intelligence that similar attacks might occur in other parts of the country.

“We know there are plans to attack more innocent people in other parts of the country,” he said, even as leaders in the affected areas denied the claims.

There are many theories being fronted as the cause of the Mpeketoni incident including terrorism by Kenyan terror cells, land and tribal fallout.

Other sources said they feared there will be retaliatory protests to counter Monday’s demos in which some youths blocked a section of Ngong Road accusing Cord leader of being behind the Mpeketoni attacks.

“They say there may be protests from residents in the slums but we cant see any signs. We are waiting although we doubt,” said one senior officer who asked not to be named.

The US State Department termed the Mpeketoni incident a terrorist attack by Al-Shabaab, saying there can be no place for horrific acts of violence in any society.

Questions have been raised on motive behind the deployment of police in the contentious areas even after Al-Shabaab militant group claimed it was behind the attacks.