The United States government has announced a Ksh694 million cash reward for an Al Shabaab operative responsible for terror attacks in Kenya.
In a statement dated Thursday, April 21, the US stated that Abu Ubaidah, a leader for the Al Shabaab, orchestrated some of the attacks in the East African region.
Further, the US government stated that many Kenyans lost their lives through the attacks planned by him.
"Abu Ubaidah, also known as Ahmed Diriye, is the leader of the Al Shabaab (AS) terrorist group. Under his leadership, AS terrorists have conducted attacks in Somalia, Kenya, Uganda, and Djibouti that have resulted in the death of hundreds of individuals.
"Abu Ubaidah serves as the leader of Al Shabaab - a position he has occupied since the death of former Al Shabaab leader Ahmed Abdi Godane. Abu Ubaidah was part of Godane’s inner circle at the time of Godane’s death," read the statement in part.
Additionally, the US government provided contacts through which Kenyans can provide information on the whereabouts of the terror leader.
"If you have information about him, text us at +1-202-702-7843 over Signal, Telegram, or WhatsApp, or contact us on our Tor-based tip line. You could be eligible to receive a reward.
"It is a crime to knowingly provide, or attempt or conspire to provide, material support or resources to Al Shabaab," read part of the statement.
The announcement by the US government comes after police arrested three foreigners suspected of planning to carry out attacks in Mombasa County during the Easter festivities.
In an affidavit by the State prosecutor, Hillary Isiaho, presented before Senior Principal Magistrate, Vincent Adet, police noted that the three suspects were nabbed at the peak of their planning.
“Intelligence reports have revealed that there is an imminent threat of attacks which was planned by seven Al Shabaab operatives dispatched from Somalia within the Coastal region after the Easter holiday,” he stated.
The three suspected are being detained for 14 days as the police continue with their investigations.
