Missing police vehicle could be used for criminal activities, IG Joseph Boinnet warns

Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinnet. PHOTO: FILE

NAIROBI: Police have issued an alert on an Administration Police vehicle stolen in the Lamu terror attack two weeks ago.

Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinnet wants the public to be on the lookout, warning that the Ford Ranger double cabin registration number GKB 595J can be misused by criminals or even terrorists in any part of the country.

He said they have intensified operations and search for the vehicle but need the public to also join in searching it.

“We are seeking help from the public to recover the vehicle because it can easily be misused by criminals. Everyone must be on the lookout,” Boinnet said.

He is particularly urging security guards in buildings, shopping malls and other public areas to thoroughly scrutinize all vehicles, including those branded police colours.

The vehicle branded the green and maroon Administration Police colours was stolen by terrorists who ambushed officers on board on December 16 in Mkunumbi near Mpeketoni in Lamu.

The police chief has also urged the public across the country to cooperate with police in maintaining security, while warning against the use of fireworks without authority.

Boinnet warned that Kenya is facing a “real terror threat” after Al Shabaab terrorists split into two—one supporting the Islamic State and the other Al Qaeda.

The last place the police car had been traced to Somalia. There are fears the terrorists who stole it could sneak it back to Kenya with explosives and launch attacks.

Security agencies have intensified operations in the area and along the Kenya/Somalia border to tame increased attacks by the terror groups.

In the last month alone, up to ten attacks have happened in the border area with many linking them to competition among the split group. One group is said to be paying allegiance to Al-Qaeda and the other Islamic State gang.

In the December attacks, five security officials were killed and at least three police vehicles burnt down in the incidents that happened in Lamu and Mandera Counties.