The National Police Service (NPS) led by the Inspector General (IG) of Police, Joseph Boinnet, has issued a stern warning against profiling of certain individuals or any community in the ongoing war on terror.
The IG equally called on members of the public to continue cooperating with the security agencies in the ongoing fight against terrorism and other criminal activities.
In a statement issued on Sunday, January 27, in reaction to the Latema Junction explosion, Boinnet also noted the security agencies are already in the process of identifying those who may have been involved in the Odeon Cinema incident and urged Kenyans provide any information that may help in the investigations.
“Whilst we appeal to the public to support the security agencies to deal with these threats by providing information, we equally request that we refrain from profiling any sections of our population,” he said.
According to the IG, the two individuals of suffered minor injuries in the Latema explosion had since been treated and discharged.
“We wish to clarify that the two victims who got injured during the incident sustained very slight injuries, were treated at a local dispensary and discharged. We call upon Kenyans to continue reporting promptly to the Police or other security agencies should they see anything of security concern for quick attention,” he said.
The NPS had issued a separate statement earlier urging hotel and public service vehicle (PSV) operators to be extra vigilant after a suspected Improvised Explosive Device (IED) was detonated at Latema Junction, Odeon Cinema in Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD) on Saturday evening. The police advised the citizens to step up their levels of alertness regarding their surroundings and contact the relevant authorities immediately whenever they notice anything unusual.
“We advise PSV operators to monitor the behaviour of their passengers and be wary of persons who may board with luggage and thereafter attempt to alight without the baggage,” read the statement.
Those operating shopping malls and ushers at all places of worship, education institutions and any other public place where people gather have equally been advised to put in place extra security measures to ensure persons vising the premises are safe.
“Frisk all persons entering the premises and promptly notify the police should there be anything unusual. We also wish to inform the public that whilst we have stepped up alertness on our highways, all Police Commanders have been instructed to apply to a court of law for forfeiture of any vehicle found with illegal immigrants and any form of contraband,” the NPS advised.
The intensified security comes in the wake of attacks that have so far claimed 21 lives and left at least 30 others nursing injuries including the two Latema explosion victims.