Officers on high alert as families hold memorials

Inspector-General David Kimaiyo with his deputy Grace Kaindi. Mr Kimaiyo said the ongoing massive multi-national offensive against the terrorists in Somalia had caused them to abandon their camps in droves, with most of those fleeing likely to seek refuge in Kenya. PHOTO | JENNIFFER MUIRURI

What you need to know:

  • Kenyans commemorate the first anniversary of the mall attack
  • Inspector-General of Police David Kimaiyo said on Saturday the alert would remain in force for the next week.
  • The IG extended his orders to other security agencies under his command.

Elite units including the Recce company of the General Service Unit are on a 24-hour standby over fears that terrorists may strike as Kenyans mark the first anniversary of the Westgate mall attack.

Inspector-General of Police David Kimaiyo said on Saturday the alert would remain in force for the next week.

“Our response teams and specialised units will be on standby at all times should we need to call them. For this matter therefore all people should go about their respective businesses as usual,” he said.

The security measures were informed by intelligence reports received from Kenya and Somalia, where al-Shabaab terrorists are based.

“The fact that these enemies may still try to get to us again cannot be ignored. For this matter, I urge all Kenyans to be alert and extra vigilant particularly for the one week ahead. They should also be willing to provide any helpful information on any unusual occurrences,” said Mr Kimaiyo.

The police chief gave the instructions to senior officers commanding police jurisdictions across the country to heighten their alert.

Mr Kimaiyo added: “I’ve instructed my officers countrywide through their respective commands to work round the clock to ensure safety of our people, establishments and institutions.”

The number of police patrols conducted every day would also be doubled.

The police chief added that additional officers would be on standby to receive information from the public using the 999 and 112 emergency telephone lines.

The IG extended his orders to other security agencies under his command.

In June, President Uhuru Kenyatta issued an executive order that placed personnel and resources of Kenya Prisons Service, Kenya Wildlife Service, the Kenya Forest Service and the National Youth Service under IG’s command.

“I’m calling on all other agencies and institutions who have relevant mandate in law enforcement to work together as a team. The private security providers should also brief their staff thoroughly to ensure they enhance security in areas they will be guarding,” Mr Kimaiyo said.

The directive comes ahead of several commemorative events that have been planned for today across the country.

In Nairobi, Nakumatt stores managing director Atul Shah will lead staff in lighting candles outside the Westgate Shopping mall at 12 p.m.

There will also be memorial and thanksgiving ceremonies in Lavington and at Karura forest at 10 a.m.

CLOSE ITS OUTLETS

Nakumatt Holdings, whose flagship store at Westgate was destroyed in the terror attack, will close its outlets across East Africa until 10 a.m.

“The firm will also disrupt its normal operations at 12 p.m. to observe a minute of silence in memory of the departed souls and victims of the terror attack. This will be followed by the recital of the National Anthem,” said the Nakumatt management in a statement.

In the Nairobi Museum courtyard, families that lost loved ones are invited to listen to Kenyan choirs and orchestras every evening from 7.30 p.m. and 9.30 p.m., from today until Wednesday.

The police boss spoke at his office in Jogoo House, Nairobi. He was accompanied by his deputy Ms Grace Kaindi and Director of Criminal Investigations Ndegwa Muhoro.

The IG also defended security officers over how they responded to and handled the September 21 attack.

“The manner and the way we did it, I believe, was professional and at the best level,” he said.

Asked if the lessons learnt would change the way police responded to emergencies in future, he added: “Every situation is unique and demands a different approach. If you were in my shoes, what would you have done differently from what I did? It was done professionally.”

There are reports that response teams from the military and police were not coordinated, but the IG has denied this.