Police have dismissed a viral alert circulating online that claimed a foiled terror attack took place at the All Saints Cathedral in Nairobi. National Police Service spokesperson Dr. Resila Onyango assured the public that the alert was fake and encouraged Kenyans to ignore the misinformation. She emphasized that the police were investigating the origin of the false claim, adding that security patrols and operations have been heightened to address any genuine threats.
The misleading alert suggested that an al-Shabaab terror cell had been intercepted near the cathedral, preventing a major attack similar to the 2019 Dusit hotel attack. However, a visit to the church revealed no evidence of such an operation taking place, and activities at the facility were reported to be normal.
This incident is a reminder of the ongoing challenges Kenya faces in combating terrorism. The country has experienced numerous terror attacks over the years, leading to loss of life and disruption to businesses. In December 2024, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi revealed that security agencies had thwarted 47 planned terrorist attacks over the past two years. He attributed these successes to enhanced collaboration between local and international agencies, as well as increased investments in modernizing Kenya’s security apparatus.
Kenya’s commitment to tackling terrorism has also been bolstered by a significant reduction in its Global Terrorism Index (GTI) score, moving from a high-risk to a medium-risk category. Despite these improvements, Mudavadi acknowledged that al-Shabaab remains the primary threat, particularly in the North Eastern and Coastal regions. The group continues to employ tactics such as Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and ambushes targeting security personnel and infrastructure.
The most recent attack occurred on December 9, 2024, in Lafey, Mandera County, where al-Shabaab militants killed a police officer and stole a vehicle. The government has allocated Sh20 billion towards modernizing the security apparatus, including acquiring advanced vehicles and equipment to combat terrorism effectively
