The National Police Service (NPS) has issued a statement dismissing an alert circulating on social media putting the country on a high terror alert.
In the statement dated Saturday, November 6, the NPS said the poster was fake and aimed at creating unnecessary fear, urging the public to disregard it.
Further, the police assured Kenyans and foreigners that the country is safe and that there is no cause for alarm.
Police noted that the fake poster was meant to cause fear and unnecessary despondency in areas around the cities of Nairobi and Mombasa.
"NPS has taken note of a "Stay Alert" 'intelligence' notice in circulation notifying the public of an ongoing high threat of terrorist attacks," the statement from the NPS read in part.
"This information is inaccurate, unofficial and aimed at causing fear and unnecessary despondency. Security situation within the country remains calm with the safety of the public guaranteed. The public is advised to ignore the advisory," it continued.
Although the Police have constantly assured Kenyans that the country is safe, the United States issued a travel advisory to its citizens travelling to Kenya and those currently living in the country.
Through a statement released on Thursday, October 21, the US Embassy in Nairobi cautioned its citizens against travelling to the Kenya-Somalia border and some coastal areas prone to terrorism.
It also warned them against travelling to areas within Turkana due to the high crime rate witnessed in the county. The Embassy red zoned Eastleigh and Kibera slums, emphasising that they are unsafe to their citizens who are likely to be mugged or kidnapped.
"These areas are characterised by armed carjacking, mugging, home invasion, and kidnapping. Be especially careful when travelling after dark anywhere in Kenya due to crime," their statement read in part.
"Local police are willing but often lack the capability to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents and terrorist attacks. Emergency medical and fire service is also limited."
The US cited cases of terror attacks targeting both locals and foreigners as among the reasons for the travel advisory.
"Terrorist attacks have occurred with little or no warning, targeting Kenyan and foreign government facilities, tourist locations, transportation hubs, hotels, resorts, markets/shopping malls, and places of worship.
While travelling to Somalia or areas near the border, residents were urged to seek assistance and protection.
