The Standard Digital News
Friday, June 08, 2012
An internal UN security report claims the Kenya police has listed seven buildings including Times Tower, the headquarters for taxman, as being under immediate threat of a terror attack from Al-Shabaab militant group.
The militant group last week threatened to attack Kenya's skyscrapers within two weeks, a warning that followed a bomb attack along Nairobi's Moi Avenue killing one person and injuring more than 30 others.
It was the third time Al-Shabaab has threatened to bomb Kenya after the country sent it troops into Somalia to pursue the militants in October.
The UN report circulated late Tuesday says police are restricting parking at the buildings listed and are screening all people going into them.
“In light of the device which was used last week in what appeared to be a familiarization exercise, the threat is considered to be very high,” reads part of the report.
Other buildings listed include I&M Building, KICC, Nyayo House, View Park Towers, National Social Security Fund Building and Lornroh House.
Security has been heightened on the targeted buildings and others.
Nairobi PPO Anthony Kibuchi said apart from other units, the paramilitary General Service Unit has now been brought on board to enhance security.
"We have different units involved in the operations to ensure the terror threats are addressed but we urge the public in general to continue being alert all the time. Let us not assume things are ok," said Kibuchi.
Sources said police commanders have visited the named buildings and others and asked the management to enhance security measures as part of efforts to address the threats.
Terror related activities have been increasing in Kenya since troops crossed to Somalia last October to hunt down the militants who had been blamed for various insecurity incidents. Several people have been killed and others injured in attacks staged by Al-Shabaab militants.
Police spokesman Eric Kiraithe said the UN report is misleading and denied police had designated any building as being under threat.