Kenya's fear after killing of Osama

By Standard Team

Details of a telephone call to Osama bin Laden’s courier that led US soldiers to the doorstep of the slain al-Qaida leader emerged as Kenya weighed impact of his death.

Terrorism suspects the US locked up in Guantanamo Bay unmasked the courier who Osama used in his hideout because he did not trust Internet, laptops, and cell-phones. It is him who put Osama-hunters on the scent of his boss, and following on his trails, they ended up right outside the walled building from which they shot him dead on Tuesday night.

It also emerged the US elite team airlifted Osama’s body to the Arabian Sea where it was put on white linen, washed, put on a bag with weights that would make it sink, and let off the sea bed.

As a celebration mood swept the US over Osama’s death, amid fears of al-Qaida’s retaliatory attacks, Kenya, too, intensified security surveillance at the borders especially with clash-torn Somalia.

In the mind of security chiefs, just like elsewhere in the world, the biggest question remained: Who will take over from Osama in al-Qaida and what is the underworld movement’s likely cause of action?

A fortified compound in a quiet suburb was home to the world's most wanted man, Osama Bin Laden, and a few close associates. The building was also reportedly home to several of his wives, numerous children and domestic helpers. The compound was opened to the media on Tuesday.Photo: BBC

Terrorist bomb

It is instructive that Kenya has twice bore the brunt of terrorist bomb attacks, both linked to al-Qaeda, and which claimed the lives of at least 250 locals. That is why the country’s counter-terrorism and general security agencies are busy analysing what the end of Osama could mean for Kenya.

A highly placed source revealed the preliminary conclusion was that the country should be more vigilant because al-Qaida is teeming with fugitive terrorists ready to step in Osama’s shoes anytime. There are also uncountable extremist organisations that mutated from al-Qaida or grew off independently but share its ideals and distaste for the West and those perceived to be their allies.

The verdict was also returned that al-Qaida or rather Osama’s remnants would try and work out an attack that could send out a psychological message to the world it is still alive and kicking.

This is in a way important for the movement as it could help stem disillusionment and disenchantment among its members after the death of their leader.

There were also predictions that al-Qaida strikes, particularly on Western targets in less guarded States like Kenya, with the aim of watering down US’ victory at nailing Osama, could not be ruled out.

And this is where Kenya comes in, which has twice been the theatre of deadly Osama-inspired attacks.

It is also feared his followers could go for soft targets in countries with US interests to avenge the killing. Head of anti-terror police unit Nicholas Kamwende, told The Standard the fear of an attack was real, but remained optimistic they would handle it.

"Let every Kenyan be part of this effort to contain the terror gangs. If you see an abandoned bag, suspicious character, or know anyone that you suspect is up to some mischief, let us know," he pleaded with Kenyans.

The alert came as other countries also increased the levels of caution, fearing al-Qaida’s worldwide network could engage in a massive bloodletting.

In Britain, The Daily Telegraph reported the jubilation that greeted killing was accompanied by warnings his followers would almost certainly attempt to extract revenge, in bloody terrorist reprisals.

Mr William Hague, the Foreign Secretary, and Theresa May, the Home Secretary, said there was need for increased vigilance in the wake of the killing of the al-Qaida leader.

In Nairobi, Kamwende cautioned killing of Osama calls for both celebration and vigilance, given some of his sympathisers were within the country and are Kenyans.

He cited the runaway terror suspect Fazul Abdallah who he argued is in Somalia, and could be planning a more lethal attack. Fazul is aiding Somalia militant group al-Shabaab in many operations and is believed to be crossing to and from Kenya at will. He has twice evaded arrested in Kenya.

Fazul was indicted in the Southern District of New York, for his alleged involvement in the bombings of the US embassies in Tanzania, and Kenya, on August 7, 1998. Just like Osama, a reward of up to US$5 million was put on his head for information leading to apprehension or conviction.

militant group

Al-Shabab spokesman Mohamed Osman Arus was quoted on Monday saying the group would take revenge for Osama’s death with "destructive explosions".

The al-Shabab militant group, which controls much of southern Somalia, has close links to al-Qaida and last year carried out suicide bombing in Uganda.

Kamwende’s concern was that militants, some of them Kenyans, could be planning bloodshed.

Nairobi PC Njoroge Ndirangu said security on vital installations had been beefed up, following fresh threats of attacks. Ndirangu said after a security meeting that extra security personnel had been sent to the installations, which include foreign embassies, and social places that are usually jammed with people.

"We celebrate his death, but know these criminals are capable of harming innocent Kenyans. Let the public also help us in this war," he said, on the phone. Police Spokesman Eric Kiraithe assured Kenyans the force was vigilant and alert but conceded the country had adequate legislations to deal with terrorism.

"Security intelligence has been carrying out surveys and we have also put up vigil in the entry points so the situation is calmed. There is nothing to worry about," explained Kiraithe.

He commended the Council of Imams and Preachers of Kenya for naming and shaming mosques where youths were reportedly being recruited to join the al-Shabaab militia in Somalia. He also urged any Kenyans with any information relating to terror to borrow a leaf from the Imams and disclose the details.

"We are doing a lot about the information and I want to assure Kenyans that we will continue to search and look for the terror suspects until we get them," he said. But Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (Supkem) and Muslims Human Rights Forum (MHRF) expressed fury at the killing and burial at the sea.

Supkem Director General Abdilatif Shaaban and MHRF co-ordinator Farouk Machanje said a Muslim could be buried at sea if he or she only dies at sea and it would take too long before reaching land.

"We are seeing many people celebrating Osama’s death. We also want the same people to shed a tear for those killed in Iraq by the US forces and those being killed in Palestine," Machanje said.