Security tight in Kenyan capital as Pope visits
Xinhua, November 26, 2015 Adjust font size:
Security has been tightened in Kenya's capital Nairobi where Pope Francis is on a three-day visit.
About 10,000 security officers from both within and outside Nairobi have been mobilized for the visit, with a police helicopter hovering over the city.
Several roads in Nairobi have been closed and vehicles are not allowed beyond certain points.
On Thursday morning, thousands of Kenyans flocked to the University of Nairobi to attend the Mass officiated by the Pope.
The pilgrims were frisked at least three times before entering the campus, and were banned from carrying any food and drinks in.
The huge gathering has created a task for security agencies concerning threats by Somalia-based Islamist group Al-Shabaab.
Al-Shabaab has carried out bloody attacks in Kenya, with the worst killing at least 147 people, mostly students, at Garissa University College in April.
Inspector General of Police, Joseph Boinnet, has asked Kenyans to be vigilant as alleged intelligence information had shown the militants might target the Pope's visit.
"I am happy with today's security arrangement," said Nairobi resident Alice Musembi who attended the papal Mass.
Besides Kenya's security officers, Pope Francis is also being guarded by his elite Swiss Guard during the visit. Endit