Wednesday, September 19, 2012
It is necessary to remind all Kenyans to remain vigilant as our soldiers in the Africa Mission in Somalia (Amisom) prepare for assault on Kismayu.
This is important after it emerged that only a mishap prevented terror suspects from fulfilling their suicide missions in Kenya last week: Their car broke down. Among their alleged targets were Parliament, churches and various other sites in Kisumu and Mombasa.
From all accounts, the police were fortunate – and thankfully so – to stumble upon the suspects and their deadly paraphernalia, including suicide vests similar to those used in the attempted attack on the new Somalia President and a Kenyan delegation.
Intelligence remains the biggest weapon in preventing terror attacks of the kind favoured by Al Shabaab, and the public can help by informing police of any suspicious activities or individuals.
Our intention is not to scare, but to be forewarned is to be forearmed.
The police cannot be everywhere and Kenyans must take control of their security by co-operating with law enforcers.
The attempt to kill President Hassan Sheikh Mahmoud and the Kenyan delegation led by Foreign Affairs minister Sam Ongeri is a clear indication that despite recent losses against Amisom and Somali troops, Al Shabaab remains a real threat and it will be awhile before the country can truly be declared safe.
It is a delicate situation with Amisom working hard to ensure a smooth handover between President Mahmoud and his predecessor Sheikh Shariff Ahmed amid tension following the assassination attempt.