The Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinnet has dismissed a letter circulating on social media warning of an impending attack on a learning institution in Nairobi by Al Shabaab militants.
Through a statement issued on his behalf by Police Spokesman George Kinoti, the IG disputed the authenticity of the letter terming it a forgery.
Boinnet stated that the alert was not issued by the department adding that any information contained in it was false.
“We wish to put it right that the letter is a forgery and the information contained in it is false. It is manifest that the aim is to cause panic and apprehension to the public,” read part of the statement.
The authorities assured that they, in collaboration with other agencies, were ready to ensure that security and peace prevail in the country.
Boinnet, further urged the members of the public to “remain vigilant and report any suspicious persons or activities to any Police Station or security agency.”
The letter in question which had reportedly leaked, purported to have been issued by Nairobi County Criminal Investigations Officer, Nicholas Kamwende.
The missive claimed that the terrorists were planning to attack one of the City schools using women, and in a similar way to the Garissa University College attack executed by the militia group on April 2, 2015, that left 147 people dead.
“The women are already in Eastleigh, Nairobi in preparation for the attack, while the operative in Mandera is expected to deliver logistical support before the end of January 2017,” the false letter alleged.
This comes just a day after the Kenya Defence Forces killed over 70 militants who attempted to overrun their camp in Kulbiyow, Somalia.
In the ensuing firefight, nine soldiers lost their lives while fifteen others sustained injuries and were airlifted to Defence Forces Memorial Hospital.
Here is the official Police statement:
