40 people were on Wednesday arrested in Nanyuki ahead of the visit by Britain’s Prince William to Kenya on Sunday.
The visit by the prince to the British forces situated in the town led to a crackdown on suspected terrorists in the area.
Police reported that those arrested were worshippers at a mosque claiming that they were being inducted into profound Islamic teachings.
The mosque, which neighbours three army barracks, is insinuated to be the reason why the town is targeted by preachers who advocate radicalisation of the youths.
Among the arrested was an Imam who is suspected to be linked to the Al Shabaab militia group.
Laikipia East police boss Mutoro Kizito, who carried out the raid on the mosque, assured the public that the officers were in charge of things.
“Radical Islamic preachers might be thinking that security officers are engrossed in tackling cattle rustlers and invaders of private ranchers. But anyone who sets his foot here to engage in crime will be arrested and prosecuted,” stated the police boss.
Police took the suspects to the area police station where 29 were released while 11 were detained for questioning.
Those detained were handed over to the Anti-Terror Police Unit (ATPU) in neighbouring Isiolo County.
The police further explained that the ones arrested were Al Shabaab sympathisers.
He urged residents to be on the lookout for suspicious people and activities.
