Sarit Centre, on Wednesday, addressed the security alert message doing rounds on social media platforms especially WhatsApp warning of a possible attack at the premises.
Through a statement, the shopping complex, located in Westlands, Nairobi, dismissed the alert that there was heavy police presence around the area hence people should avoid it.
Our attention has been drawn to a series of WhatsApp messages in circulation regarding an increased police presence around The Sarit Centre attributed to a heightened security alert. We would like to assure all our shoppers & the public at large that these messages are merely
— Sarit Centre (@Sarit_Centre) February 13, 2019
The Complex stated that the circulating messages were mere rumors and city shoppers are welcome to shop. The post also stated that Sarit had not received any communication from the government to issue a security alert or of any impending threat. The Centre also noted that the posts were meant to spread fear and that Kenyans should treat the allegations as rumors.
Kenya has had a series of security alerts and travel advisories being issued due to the series of attacks that have been hurled at the nation in the recent past since Al-Shabab declared war on Kenya. The most recent being the 14 RiversideDrive, Dusit Complex that claimed 21 lives and leaving countless injured on the eve of January 15, 2019.
In regards Kenyans have been urged to be vigilant and on the lookout for any suspicious activities so as to aid in averting any impending attacks.
environment. We urge the public to refrain from sharing and forwarding any unverified messages whose only aim to spread needless fear and panic, and we assure all our shoppers that the Centre is indeed open for normal business.
The Sarit Centre Management,
13 Feb, 2019.— Sarit Centre (@Sarit_Centre) February 13, 2019
A post on Twitter about the warning read, “There’s a rumor going around asking people to avoid Sarit Centre. Is it true that there’s a security threat? ”
#YouKnowHeLovesYouWhen @NPSOfficial_KE kindly confirm a warning circulating warning Nairobians to stay away from sarit centre @KTNKenya @citizentvkenya @ntvkenya
— Mkulima Inc (@mukulima12) February 13, 2019
Anyone with credible info on Sarit centre?
— Ian Mooner (@Life_of_Mooner) February 12, 2019
Before anything is confirmed, kindly avoid SARIT CENTRE. via itsotienomokaya
— KenyanTraffic (@KenyanTraffic) February 13, 2019
Posts about the Complex kept streaming in from most social media sites.