Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinnet on Wednesday warned Kenyan media against sensational reporting on alleged Al Shabaab attacks.
In a letter drafted by Assistant Inspector General George Kinoti on behalf of the IG, the National Police Service notes 'misleading and false' news reported by sections of the Kenyan media with respect to a recent Al Shabaab attack in Mandera County.
On Monday it was reported that two police vehicles had been set ablaze by the Somali militants in an ambush attack in Daba City.
[caption caption="IG Joseph Boinnet"]
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The reports further alleged that the two vehicles had 12 police officers on board who were escorting a bus to Mandera when they were hit by rocket-propelled grenades.
Mr Kinoti dismissed those reports stating that no police officer was injured, on the contrary, the militants were forced to escape after a fierce exchange of fire.
"The facts are that on the 6th day of November 2017 at around 6 pm, police were in two motor vehicles escorting a PSV bus from Kotulo to Elwak when they were suddenly attacked by suspected Al Shabaab militants.
"A fierce exchange of fire ensued and the police managed to overpower the attackers who fled to Somalia.
"No passenger was injured nor any police officer, therefore, any report that there were injuries is false and misleading," read the statement.
The police boss urged the media to ensure they confirm facts before reporting on such stories.
"We wish to caution any media house or any person from reporting sensational reports that have not been verified or confirmed," stated Kinoti.
[caption caption="Assistant IG George Kinoti"]
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Here is the notice:
