Kenya says on high alert over possible terror threats

Kenyan police said they are on high alert over possible terror attacks during Muslims festive season, which kicked off on Thursday.

The Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinett said security officers have been ordered to be vigilant after credible information indicated that Somali Al-Shabaab militants are likely to carry out attacks during the Eid-al-adha festival celebrated by Muslims.

"We have got wind of people who want to abuse the Muslims celebrations. Everyone is requested to stay alert and report any strange happenings in their surroundings," Boinett said on Thursday evening.

He said Kenyans should remain alert with criminals having made a habit of disguising themselves and blending into the normal routine of the country.

He said such trend is what made the police to launch a manhunt into the vast Boni forest in the coastal region of Lamu where they sought to eliminate the Al-Shabaab terrorists in the region that is near the border with Somalia

"The security operation in Boni forest and the Muslim festivals have heightened the levels of threat in the country, but adequate officers have been deployed across the country,"Boinett assured.

The East African nation has been on high alert following increased threats from the terror group. In April, at least 148 people were killed after Al-Shabaab terrorists attacked the Garissa University College in the country's northeast.

The attacks have seen government intensify security operations across the country including erection of a perimeter wall along the Kenya-Somalia border.

The police chief said the officers have foiled several planned attacks in the country that targeted shopping malls and public places, though he did not elaborate.

Boinett assured all Kenyans as well as visitors that every effort is being made to provide security for all. Enditem