NAIROBI– Western countries on Saturday expressed their commitment to help Kenya’s government in its war against terror threats in the country.
British High Commissioner to Kenya Christian Turner, U.S. Ambassador Robert Godec, Australian High Commissioner Geoff Tooth and Canadian High Commissioner David Angell assured President Uhuru Kenyatta of their commitment to supporting his government in eliminating terrorists in the country.
“The new schemes being employed by the group (Al-Shabaab) are not only a threat to Kenya security but to the whole world,” the envoys said in a statement issued after their meeting in Nairobi.
“The four envoys expressed their governments’ willingness to help the Kenya government build its capacity in dealing with the group,” the statement said.
The East African nation has been at a verge of terrorism threats by Islamists extremists allied to Al-Shabaab and Al-Qaida militia after Kenya forces joined a African Union peacekeeping mission to take control of the insurgents’ stronghold in Somalia.
The police have also admitted that despite a boost in security the threat remained, urging shopping malls to remain vigilant and to “do more” to prevent attacks.
Already many Kenyans including foreigners have shunned big shopping malls for fear of being attacked by the Al-Qaida allied terrorists who have been targeting churches and shopping malls.
The recent terror at a church in Mombasa last Sunday and last year’s Westgate mall in Kenya Nairobi capital that left over 68 civilians dead and dozens wounded was blamed on the militants from neighboring Somalia.
During the meeting, the Western envoys noted with concern the recent terror threats to Kenya, saying that as partners they will support the government to acquire modern equipment which will help in detecting and neutralizing terror activities.
The four envoys said the recent discovery of massive car bomb explosives in Mombasa shows that the Al-Shabaab terror group has now acquired sophisticated gadgets which require the government to boost its capacity in dealing with the group.
“The envoys said that judging by what was discovered in Mombasa there is need to deepen security cooperation between their countries and Kenya,” the statement said.
They said they would want to see the Kenyan government take measures which will enhance the capacity of its security organs in dealing with the terror group.
During the meeting, President Kenyatta welcomed their support saying his government will come up with a framework on how to partner as governments in dealing with terrorism.
He assured the envoys that despite the threats, his government will continuously abide by the constitution, ensuring that basic freedoms of all Kenyans are not violated.
Kenya has been blaming Somalia’s Al-Qaida-linked Al-Shabaab militants and their sympathizers residing in the country for a spate of attacks in Kenya in recent years especially in Nairobi, Mombasa and northern regions.
Latest grenade attacks in Nairobi and Mombasa left some 11 people dead and more than 50 others injured.
Source: Xinhua
