- More than 200 other people were injured in the siege that changed the security landscape of the country.
- The day also coincides with the International Day of Peace, also officially known as World Peace Day, which is a United Nations-sanctioned holiday observed annually.
Image: FILE
Multi-agency teams have ramped up their operations on the eleventh anniversary of the Westgate Mall terror attack, reaffirming their commitment to national stability.
While they acknowledge that the al-Shabaab terror group remains a significant threat, officials emphasized that coordinated efforts and public cooperation are crucial in addressing these security challenges.
"Enhanced measures are in place to ensure the safety of citizens as they remember the tragic events of that day."
“Apart from a few places near the Kenya-Somalia border which are experiencing attacks, the other places are stable and we continue to address the challenges,” said Deputy Inspector General of Administration Police Service Gilbert Masengeli.
On September 21, 2013, four masked men attacked the shopping mall in a siege that left at least 70 people dead.
More than 200 other people were injured in the siege that changed the security landscape of the country.
The day also coincides with the International Day of Peace, also officially known as World Peace Day, which is a United Nations-sanctioned holiday observed annually.
The International Day of Peace was established in 1981 by the United Nations General Assembly. Two decades later, in 2001, the General Assembly unanimously voted to designate the Day as a period of non-violence and cease-fire.
This year marks the 25th anniversary of the United Nations General Assembly’s adoption of the Declaration and Program of Action on a Culture of Peace.
In that declaration, the United Nations’ most inclusive body recognized that peace “not only is the absence of conflict but also requires a positive, dynamic participatory process where dialogue is encouraged and conflicts are solved in a spirit of mutual understanding and cooperation.”
And following new threats of possible attack to mark the day, police have assured the public of their safety and security.
Officials say more measures have been put in place to address terror threats, they include the deployment of more equipment and personnel.
NPS spokesperson Resila Onyango said police deployed across the country remain alert to protect the country.
“The National Police Service is committed to the multi-agency security strategy and is working closely with other security agencies at national, regional and international levels as well as members of public, through intelligence-led policing,” she said.
She asked the public to collaborate with police by reporting any suspicious activity or persons to the nearest police station or our toll-free numbers 112, 991 and 999.
This came after the United States and the United Kingdom cautioned their citizens in Kenya to remain vigilant amid terror threats.
The American embassy in Nairobi in a security alert issued on September 13 advised their citizens to be on the lookout for potential kidnappings and attacks on areas frequented by tourists.
Citing past attacks such as the Westgate attack and the Israel attack by Hamas, the US government noted that terrorists may seek to mark the anniversary and thus the need to exercise caution.]
“Terrorist groups could attack with little or no warning, targeting hotels, embassies, restaurants, malls and markets, schools, police stations, places of worship, and other places frequented by foreigners and tourists,” said the US embassy.
“While attacks can occur at any time, concerns are heightened in proximity to anniversaries of prior terrorist attacks, such as September 11th, the September 21 Westgate Mall attack, and the October 7 Hamas attack against Israel.”
The US detailed that acts of terror occur with no warning hence the need to be vigilant at all times.
Places frequented by foreigners were also highlighted to be targets of terrorists. It was also explained that the security alert was informed by the terror attack anniversaries that are being observed across the globe.
Security agencies have heightened operations in the country.
Masengeli led top police commanders to northern Kenya for a security-related visit.
Masengeli has also been holding meetings with other agencies to review the state of security in general. He said the country is stable.
Masengeli on September 9 flew to Mandera Garissa and Wajir Counties which are some of the most affected places by terrorism.
He was accompanied by Director of Directorate of Criminal Investigations Mohamed Amin, and General Service Unit (GSU) Commandant Ranson Lolmodooni.
The purpose of this mission was among others to evaluate the current security situation in these northern regions, which has continually faced security challenges and in particular terrorism.
Masengeli said the assessment provided a comprehensive overview of the regional security landscape and implemented effective solutions.
“The outcome of this assessment will pave the way in maintaining peace and order in all corners of the nation,” he said.
The region has borne the brunt of many terror attacks because of its proximity to Somalia.