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Security beefed up as Kenya holds self-rule celebrations

Xinhua, June 1, 2015 Adjust font size:

Kenyan authorities on Monday deployed thousands of police officers at strategic positions in Nairobi and across the country to maintain security as the country holds national fete to mark 52 years of self-internal rule.

National Celebrations Steering Regional Coordinator Njoroge Ndirangu said security has been enhanced at the Nyayo National Stadium where the national celebrations to be attended.

"I want to assure Kenyans that security measures have been put in place and adequate personnel to ensure that the public enjoy all the celebrations in a safe and secure place," Ndirangu told journalists late on Sunday.

Ndirangu said deployment of more police officers has been done to ensure safety for all in Nairobi and its environs, including the estates during the celebrations. Informal settlements, central business district and other parts of the county will also be patroled.

The government administrator stated more than 30,000 Kenyans attending the celebrations would be subjected to thorough scrutiny before being allowed into stadium. Also various dignitaries from outside the country had been invited for the event.

The celebration comes as the government continues to face various challenges, including insecurity which is posing a challenge to the country's security forces after repeated attacks at the border points.

Kenyans will mark the day from the rest of the counties and sub counties. The celebrations will also be led by county governors and county commissioners in counties across the country.

"We have increased security not only in Nairobi where national independence celebrations are taking place, but also across the country where celebrations are being held," a senior police officer told Xinhua on Monday.

The police officer said dozens of security personnel have thrown a cordon-off the city to ward off any threats of terrorist activities from any quarters.

"Security is tight. We are not taking any chances. We have deployed more police officers to provide security," he said.

The country has been subjected to successive explosives attacks by Al-Shabaab operatives following the onslaught of the Somalia- based militant group by Kenyan soldiers in 2011. Endi