Act firmly on security threats to cushion tourism and keep all safe

Of the many things that Kenyans should worry about is the resurgence of Al Shabaab attacks, and especially now that the country is on the final stretch to the August elections. Already, it is bad enough that the country is not as cohesive as it should, because of heightened political tension as politicians on either side of the political divide try to outshine each other, sadly, not on ideology, but on who can drag the other's name farther through mud.

The attack on Pandanguo police station in Lamu County on Wednesday this week was not the first one in the Pandanguo village and on the police station. Similar attacks were experienced in 2014 and 2016. The latest attack, which was said to have been staged by over 200 Al Shabaab terrorists, claimed the lives of three police officers. Coming soon after several incidents where landmines have been planted in parts of Northern Kenya with disastrous results, the need to step up vigilance cannot be overemphasised.

With continued attacks in the coastal region, or any other part of the country, it will not be too long before travel advisories are issued against Kenya. Kenya's tourism is only beginning to recover after travel advisories in 2014 and 2015 nearly brought it down to its knees. This is a situation that demands that everything possible be done to ensure tourists feel safe and keep coming to our country. Britain has already started cautioning its citizens.

Fear and despondency have the propensity to disenfranchise a section of the Kenyan voters. In high-risk areas, for instance, voter apathy may be experienced. Nobody wants to be where they could be targeted by terrorists. The resources of the security agencies may be stretched. However, the defence of our borders and safety of Kenyans as a whole supersedes any other consideration. Thus, the number of police officers assigned to powerful individuals should be reviewed to ensure there are enough officers to guard the wider population. The acquisition of not just additional, but modern police gear should be made to bear visible and tangible results.