Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has downplayed fears of a surge in al-Shabaab attacks in the country.
This follows the Thursday incident in which three police officers were injured by an improvised explosive device (IED) in Dadaab, Garissa County.
The attack occurred just days after five police officers were killed in an ambush by suspected al-Shabaab militants in Boni Forest.
Speaking after he chaired a county security briefing meeting at the Embu Regional Commissioner’s office in Embu County, Murkomen assured Kenyans that the government has enhanced its strategies aimed at countering terrorism at the Kenya-Somalia border.
“Although three officers were injured, the operation was successful as one Al Shabaab officer was neutralised, one arrested and their equipment confiscated, including firearms and ammunition,” he said.
The CS lauded the good working relationship between the community, the National Government Administration Officers (NGAOs) and the National Police Service (NPS) in detecting and thwarting planned attacks.
As he concluded his three-day Jukwaa la Usalama Counties tour of the Upper Eastern Region in Embu County, the CS noted that the issue of counter-terrorism is sensitive and called for patriotism in handling the matter, saying the work of officers in keeping the country safe should be commended.
“This matter should not be amplified as a success of the enemy, but focus on the response by the officers. Until our neighbours are stable, we will continue facing these challenges and are equipping our officers with the right machinery to detect threats and fight the enemy,” stated the CS.
“Our security agencies are in full control and are doing a tremendous job. The NPS will, in due course, share comprehensive data on the measures put in place to secure the nation."
“It is easy to fault officers, but if we knew the environment they are operating in and the enemy’s change of tack, they have to always be one step ahead.”
He also commended the cooperation between Mandera Governor Adan Khalif and security officers, which he said has been instrumental in the war against the militia group.
“I am proud of what the governor is doing. We have foiled many attacks,” noted the CS.
Murkomen also noted that incidences of attacks on villages and highways have reduced significantly.
“The good response based on intelligence gathering has led to foiled attacks,” he added.
