Police alert to thwart terrorist attack at fete

By Cyrus Ombati

Police in Nairobi once again raised their vigilance antennae on Wednesday following fears that a terror group could be planning to attack an undisclosed target.

Officials who talked to The Standard said the al Shaabab militant group from Somalia had been plotting to hit the country for the last two months.

"We are informed they may try during the Madaraka Day celebrations but we are out there to stop them. The level of alertness is higher," said a senior official familiar with terrorism matters.

Kenya celebrates the first Madaraka Day today since the promulgation of the Constitution.

Nairobi Area PPO Anthony Kibuchi confirmed they have increased vigilance following fears of an attack.

"There will be more police presence at the event to ensure everyone is safe. Let Kenyans also expose these elements who want to cause havoc because some of them are here," said Kibuchi.

Sources said the vigilance will be replicated at all places of celebrations across the country.

Police have in the past months complained that some Kenyans have been sneaking to Somalia for terrorist training and are now in the country ready to carry out terror attacks.

The al Shaabab, which controls much of southern Somalia has close links to al Qaeda and last year carried out suicide bombings in Uganda.