Kenyan police issue alert over loss of diplomatic car plates

Kenyan police on Friday issued a security alert over stolen diplomatic vehicle number plates, with fears they may be used by terrorists to carry out attacks in the East African nation.

Police spokesman Charles Owino said 45 UN 177K and 45 UN 130K number plates were stolen in Mombasa and Kilifi in the coastal region in the last two weeks in a parking.

"Following the current terror trends worldwide and the alerts that we have lately released, we hold strong opinion that these plates may be used in attempts to access security areas and key installations by terrorists," Owino told journalists in Nairobi.

He called on police officers, including private security guards, to thoroughly screen red-plated vehicles.

"Vehicles bearing such registrations should be stopped with a lot of caution, be detained and occupants interrogated. The security agencies are also directed to exercise courtesy, care and speed to avoid jam and wastage time while searching vehicles," he directed.

Owino urged all foreign missions and embassies to report any loss or theft of vehicle number plates to police immediately they discover the theft or loss of their plates.

"Foreign affairs will get in touch with the Foreign Missions and Embassies within the laid down diplomatic protocols in order to seek their co-operation in this demanding exercise of searching all vehicles before they access certain areas or at road blocks and lock-ups," Owino said. Enditem