Kudos to security team for foiling terror attack

The threat of terrorist acts by the Somalia-based Al Shabaab militants is an ever present danger in the country. It behooves our security services to never relax their vigil, more so when the militia gives the impression of being inactive.

The attack on 14 Riverside Drive business complex in Nairobi in February in which 21 people died caught our security agencies unaware, even though the response to the attack was timely. In Mandera, two Cuban doctors were abducted in April by Al Shabaab militants who seem determined to make their presence felt within our borders.

Police reports now indicate they foiled two of what they suspect would have been terrorist attacks last week. Adan Galhai alias Urisha Galhai attempted to sneak into the Narok Stadium where this year’s Madaraka Day celebrations were held on the eve of the celebrations but police officers stopped and took him into custody from where he later escaped.

It is yet to be established under what circumstances a terror suspect could escape from police custody. Daringly, the same suspect made a second appearance at the stadium on Madaraka Day only to be arrested by the Military Police. Somehow, his accomplice escaped from the police.  

We applaud the police for their timely action in foiling attempts that could have resulted in loss of life and destruction and which could have ruined Madaraka Day. However,  they clearly should up their game. Lapses in security that allow dangerous criminals to escape from police custody do not inspire much confidence.