The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) apprehended two individuals in Mandera East, believed to be operatives of the terrorist group al-Shabaab. The suspects, who were allegedly planning to abduct foreign nationals working on a sewer line construction project in Mandera township, are now in custody, undergoing further investigation.
The primary suspect, according to the DCI, had recently infiltrated Kenya from El-ade, Somalia. After sneaking into the country, he forged several documents in a bid to pose as a Kenyan citizen. The DCI stated that the suspect had planned the abduction in coordination with a local accomplice. The local associate was to be paid Sh100,000 for facilitating the kidnapping, with the ultimate goal of transporting the victims to El-ade for a ransom of Sh300,000.
Following the first arrest, an operation was carried out in the early hours of the morning, leading to the capture of a second suspect in Metameta area, Mandera township. The DCI reported that a multi-agency security team was involved in the operation, which culminated in the successful apprehension of the second individual.
Both suspects are being held in custody and are expected to face serious charges under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA). The authorities have emphasized the gravity of the situation, as the planned abduction targeted foreign nationals, which could have had devastating implications for both the individuals involved and the wider community.
This arrest comes at a time when security concerns have been heightened in Mandera following the kidnapping of five local chiefs by suspected al-Shabaab militants earlier in the month. The militants have demanded a ransom of Sh7 million for the release of the chiefs, intensifying fears of terrorist activities in the region.
The DCI has assured the public that further investigations are underway, with the authorities determined to prevent such terror-related incidents in the future. The multi-agency response in Mandera reflects the ongoing efforts to combat the increasing threat posed by al-Shabaab and other terrorist groups in the region.
The arrest of these two individuals highlights the vigilance and coordination between Kenyan security forces in addressing terrorism, sending a strong message to those involved in such illegal activities. As the investigation continues, the authorities are committed to ensuring that those responsible for planning and facilitating terrorism are brought to justice.
