Kenyans have been warned by police to stay vigilant ahead of the holy month of Ramadan as terror groups including Al-Shabaab are plotting major attacks.
The National Police Service, in a statement, explained that major terrorist groups such as ISIS, Al-Qaeda and Al-Shabaab had issued fatwas, encouraging their members to carry out more attacks.
“As we approach the holy month of Ramadan, terror groups have issued alerts urging their members to step up attacks during this period. The main terror groups including ISIS, Al-Qaeda and Al Shabaab have issued ‘fatwas’ calling for increased attacks during the holy month,” the statement reads in part
Kenyans were asked to be extra-vigilant especially in crowded areas such as schools, hotels, bus termini and churches.
“We are therefore urging members of the public to remain on high alert and be extra vigilant especially in populated public places including hotels, churches, bus stages and schools,” police advised.
[caption caption="An Al-Shabaab military spokesman giving a statement"]
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The public was also urged to stay on the look-out for any suspicious individuals seen anywhere in the country or along the border.
Police affirmed that they were monitoring activity along the border with Somalia to ensure they did not miss a threat to the country's security.
The holy month begins next week on Tuesday, May 15 and ends in the evening on Thursday, 14 June.
The annual observance is one of the 5 pillars of Islam and lasts 29 to 30 days based on sightings of the crescent moon.
Muslims fast from dawn until sunset and refrain from sinful behaviour as well as perform acts of charity, have nightly prayers and recite the Quran.
[caption caption="Inspector-General of Police Joseph Boinnet displaying weapons taken from Al-Shabaab"]
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