Kenya on high alert over possible terror attacks: police chief

Kenya's Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinett said Saturday the country is on high alert over threats of terror attack in the East African nation.

Boinett said security forces had intensified vigilance and patrols across the country and called on Kenyans to be alert.

"We are aware of terror threats against this country by people seeking to destroy our economy and political stability," he said in Naivasha, about 90 km northwest of Nairobi.

The police chief's remarks came after British and Australian governments warned their nationals against travelling to certain parts of Kenya over possible terror attacks in the country.

The two countries advise against all but essential travel to within 15 km of the coast from the Tana River down to Tiwi which includes Mombasa Island, Moi International Airport, Malindi, Kilifi and Watamu in the coastal region.

The warning also covers areas within 60 km of the Kenya-Somalia border, Garissa County and the Eastleigh area of Nairobi.

However, there are no travel warnings against any of Kenya's popular safari destinations in the national parks, including Masai Mara, Laikipia and the Aberdare National Park.

The sentiments by the police boss also come two days after the United States warned of a possible terror attack in neighboring Uganda.

A senior CID officer was shot dead in Mombasa by two hooded youths, who police believe is part of the radicalized group in the Coast. Following the incident, Boinett termed the terror threats as serious, adding that their target was both police and civilians. Endi