Kenyans assured of security

By Rawlings Otieno, Felix Olick and Philip Mwakio

More Police Officers will be deployed in all public places during the Christmas festivities, Police Commissioner Matthew Iteere has said.

Iteere said Government was not leaving anything to chance following recent Al Shabaab attacks in North Eastern Province, in which police and other State officers were injured.

"Police Officers must be on high alert during this festive season and secure all public places. We want the citizens to enjoy their Christmas without any security threat," said Iteere.

He also said fireworks ban had been imposed all over the country, noting that organised criminals might use the opportunity to engage in crime.

He said it is now mandatory for owners of entertainment spots and other business to frisk those wishing to access their premises.

Iteere made the remarks when he paid a visit to police officers recuperating at various hospitals in Nairobi Friday.

"We want this Christmas season to be free from accidents. This is a time to enjoy with the families and the loved ones. Motorist please drive carefully," he added.

Meanwhile, a police patrol base has been set up at the Jomo Kenyatta public beach in Mombasa, as part of efforts to boost security for beach goers.

The development comes at a time when there is heightened security as a result of possible terror threats by the Al Shabaab militia group.

Speaking to the press yesterday, Kisauni OCPD Julius Wanjohi said the police patrol base is operational 24 hours.

"We are taking nothing to chance. We have deployed police officers who will compliment the work already being done by Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) Marine rangers to ensure that the beaches are safe,’’ the police chief said.

Elsewhere, Nairobi residents have been challenged to report suspicious characters to the police as one way of pre-empting terrorist attacks.

Nairobi Provincial Commissioner Njoroge Ndirangu urged Nairobi residents to remain vigilant during the Christmas festivities.

"As we come to the close of the year, I wish to call upon all residents of Nairobi to be more vigilant and report any suspicious characters, unusual objects and abandoned luggage to the police for immediate action," said the PC.