State offers cash reward for intel on Lamu terror suspects

Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki has said there will be a cash reward for anyone that will give security organs information that will lead to the arrest of Lamu attack terrorists.

Kindiki spoke on Wednesday when he appeared before the Senate Standing Committee on National Security, Defence and Foreign Relations. 

"The government has set aside cash rewards for members of the public who will volunteer information that will lead to the arrest of the individuals suspected to have masterminded and/or executed the recent terror attacks in Lamu County," the CS said. 

He did not, however, reveal the amount at stake.

The CS told the committee that a list of the primary suspects will be published soon.

He added that the individuals will be expected to turn themselves in or face the consequences of an active manhunt.

Further, Kindiki said the government is progressively reviewing its policies and counter-terrorism measures.

"Key among them is the establishment of specialised units such as the Anti-Terrorism Unit, the National Counterterrorism Centre, Financial Reporting Centre, Transnational Organised Crime Unit, the Asset Recovery Agency and the Kenya Coast Guard." 

The CS said the specialised units have enhanced the country’s preparedness and response to terror threats and attacks.

He said the move has also been buttressed by the drafting and operationalisation of various legislations.

These include the Proceeds of Crime and Anti-Money Laundering Act, Prevention of Terrorism Act 2012, Security Laws Amendment Act 2014 and Computer Misuse and Cybercrime Act 2018.

Kindiki said the amendments to several acts, key among them the Anti-Narcotics Act, the Refugee Act, the NGOs Act, and the Firearms Act have also boosted the country's security.

Lamu has been experiencing insecurity issues from armed militants suspected to be members of the al Shabaab.

On September 20, at least one person was killed and several houses torched in an attack by al Shabaab militants in Widhu area, Lamu County.

Police said the raid happened at night when an unknown number of gunmen struck.

Witnesses said the gang torched houses in the raid before escaping.

A few days before the attack, two suspected al Shabaab militants were killed in a shoot out with KDF troops in Bodhei area within Lamu.

Three AK47 rifles, more than 300 bullets, RPG launchers and warheads were recovered by security personnel during the operation.

The personnel said they had been informed the gang was hiding in two sites within the larger Boni Forest prompting an operation on two hideouts.