Police Arrest Suspected Terrorist

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Kenya's Anti-Terror Police Unit (ATPU) officers
File

Police officers based in Nandi County on November 30, arrested a 22-year-old woman suspected to have been recruited to Somali-based terror group, Al Shabaab.

In a statement by the Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI) on December 1, the police stated that the terror suspect was nabbed after they received a tip off from residents of Kamalambu village who were suspicious of the mysterious woman.

The police went ahead to add that the woman, who was cohabiting with an unnamed man, was taken to Soghor for further questioning.

A file image of the entrance of the DCI headquarters along Kiambu road.
A file image of the entrance of the DCI headquarters along Kiambu road.
Kenyans.co.ke

"A woman suspected to have links with the Al-Shabaab terror group was arrested last evening in Tinderet, Nandi county. This is after Police officers based at Soghor police station received a tip-off from patriotic locals, about a 22-year-old woman who was cohabiting with a man in Kamalambu village," read the statement.

Upon interrogation of the suspect,  the DCI revealed that the 22-year-old confessed to having been trained on the use of firearms and explosives. She also revealed that she participated in the ongoing Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) recruitment exercise.

However, the suspect claimed that she was kidnapped by terrorists in 2019 and learned the skills during the time that she was in captivity in Somalia.

"The villagers’ fears were confirmed when during interrogation after being arrested, the woman told detectives that she had been in Somalia for two years after allegedly being kidnapped by members of the Alshabab terror network in Kilifi, in 2019.

"She confessed to having been trained on weapon handling skills, hostage-taking, and use of explosives among other skills. The woman is said to have attended the recently concluded KDF recruitment exercise at different centers," read the statement in part.

Additionally, the DCI added that the Anti-terror police have taken over the investigations further cautioning Kenyans to take precautions during this festive season.

"Anti Terror detectives have since taken over investigations into the matter and shall be grilling the suspect for more information. DCI thanks the members of the public in Tinderet, Nandi county who volunteered information leading to the arrest of the suspect.

"This kind of mutual partnership between the public and police officers is highly encouraged since a secure nation is our collective responsibility." the police advised. 

The arrest of the 22-year-old comes after President Uhuru Kenyatta on November 12 issued a directive on increased surveillance in the country with ongoing threats that have been experienced in neighboring countries.

“His Excellency President Uhuru Kenyatta has directed internal security institutions to heighten vigilance and surveillance across the country following the unfolding security situation in the region,” read the statement from State House.

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President Uhuru Kenyatta (left) and military officials with hammock seat canes during a multi-agency join operational training in Boni Forest, Lamu County on July 21, 2021
PSCU
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