Security-Kenya - Security has been tightened across Kenya following yesterday's killing of al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden in Pakistan. People returning to work this morning will be screened as they enter many government buildings and private offices. Normally lax security measures-largely ignored are expected to be enhanced and more stringent. Private security firms had by early yesterday already instructed their guards to conduct stringent searches of vehicles entering premises as well as ensuring that those entering the buildings were screened. The Anti Terrorism Police Unit boss Nicholas Kamwende appealed to Kenyans to be on high alert and report any suspicious characters in their midst. He said the unit was also on heightened alert in case of retaliatory attacks following bin Laden's death.

"What happened in Pakistan is totally related to Kenya and East Africa.

The threat of terrorism is real and everyone has to be on the look-out even as police do their work," Kamwende told the Star yesterday.

He said that even as Kenyans celebrated the killing of the world's most wanted terrorist, Kenyans should bear in mind that remnants of the Al Qaeda leadership remained active. He said al-Qaeda still had the ability to launch attacks and some members may be motivated by revenge.

"The reality is still here with us. Fazul, the al-Qaeda operative, believed to be holed up in Somalia and wanted for masterminding the 1998 embassy bombing, is still out there. We have to keep up the war," said Kamwende.

Police spokesman Erick Kiraithe confirmed that armed police patrols had been increased in the city center.

"We have also put adequate measures in place and we don't expect any surprises. We call on all citizens to be cautious and alert the authorities if they come across any suspicious individuals or groups," said Kiraithe.

Security around Nairobi was tightened yesterday with armed GSU patrolling the city streets. Vehicles and individuals accessing key installations and prominent office buildings across Nairobi were thoroughly checked by security officers.

Security analyst Werunga Simiyu said Kenya was even more vulnerable than Pakistan and Afghanistan where terror activities are daily occurrences.

"Security in East Africa and especially in Kenya has to be stepped up in the wake of all this (Bin Laden's death)," said Werunga Kenya and the East African region have become a target of terror attacks, particularly from the Al-Shabaab militia in Somalia that is linked to al-Qaeda.

Before the Easter holiday, the police issued a terror alert warning warning that shopping malls, churches, government buildings and recreational areas in major population centres could be targeted.

In the alert, Police Commissioner Mathew Iteere warned that all-Shabaab had threatened to carry out violent attacks during the Easter holiday.

"As part of community policing, we are advising the management of all the places mentioned and other places where a large number of public is admitted to enhance to enhance their security measures during this period," he said. The enhanced security measures are expected to continue following bin Laden's death.

Star Team

Nairobi Star/03/05/2011