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Kenya beefs up security along border with Somalia after attack

Xinhua, April 2, 2015 Adjust font size:

Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta said Thursday security forces have been beefed up along the border with Somalia following a siege in which 17 people were killed and several others injured at a local university in Garissa.

Kenyatta also called on Kenyans to be very vigilant in the wake of increased terror attacks across the East African nation once an oasis of peace in the troubled Horn of Africa region.

"I also assure the nation that my government has undertaken appropriate deployment to the affected area, and is fully seized of the situation," Kenyatta said in a statement issued in Nairobi.

"I also urge Kenyans to stay calm as we resolve this matter, and to provide the authorities with any information they may have in connection with any threats to our security," he added.

A joint security forces are currently battling masked gunmen who stormed Moi University campus in Garissa town near the border with Somalia, and held students hostage.

Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinett said the police and Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) are in the process of flushing out the gunmen from hostels.

Boinett said the attackers forced their way into the university by shooting at the guards manning the main gate at around 5.30 a.m. local time. He said the attackers shot indiscriminately while inside the university compound.

In his statement, Kenyatta said full details of casualties will be communicated in due course by senior government officials who are coordinating security operation in Garissa.

"On behalf of my government, I extend condolences to the families of those who have perished in this attack. We continue to pray for the quick recovery of the injured, and the safe rescue of those held hostage," Kenyatta said. "This is a moment for everyone throughout the country to be vigilant as we continue to confront and defeat our enemies."

The Kenyan leader also directed the police chief to take urgent steps and ensure that the 10,000 recruits, whose enrollment is pending, promptly report for training.

"I take full responsibility for this directive. We have suffered unnecessarily due to shortage of security personnel. Kenya badly needs additional officers, and I will not keep the nation waiting," Kenyatta said. Endi