Police target landlords, bus staff in terror alert

Police have issued a fresh terror alert, asking the public to be extra vigilant and report suspicious persons to the authorities.

They also issued instructions on Tuesday on how to identify suspects and gave guidelines to landlords, hotel and lodgings attendants, shop owners as well as public service vehicle crews on what to do to ensure public safety.

Among other measures, customers are to be subjected to “polite interrogations” besides producing identification documents before being allowed into rental houses or hotel rooms.

“Politely create an opportunity to interview all strangers to establish their identity; who they are, where they are coming from and where they are going.

Attempt interrogation to isolate open lies or deliberately inaccurate information. Alert authorities if they display anxiety or turn hostile ,” police spokesman Eric Kiraithe said.

In case of suicide bombers, the police said, a suspect’ body frame would appear rigid because they would be wearing specially made vests laden with explosives.

The caution was given following intelligence reports that the terrorist group Al-shabaab was planning a series of attacks.

Security officers were further alarmed that British fugitive Samantha Lewthwaite, who entered Kenya last year, could be planning a suicide bombing.

“The public should also look out for those wearing bulky clothes that may not fit the weather and tightened fists would be a signal they are holding an explosive,” the police added.

Security guards who screen people using metal detectors were also asked to pay closer attention with the aim of identifying “exposed wires possibly through sleeves as they could be detonators.”

Ms Lewthwaite entered Kenya through the Namanga border point on August 25, using a forged South African passport bearing the names Natalie Faye.

She was the wife of Germaine Maurice Lindsay, also known as Abdullah Shaheed Jamal, who blew himself up in London in 2005, killing himself and 56 other people.

The woman has been on the run since entering Kenya, evading several dragnets set by police to arrest her, and recent postings on the social media have indicated that she could be planning terror attacks.

Muslim Youth Council, the organisation linked to slain Al-shabaab suspect Aboud Rogo on Monday posted on its Twitter account a message that referred to her as “dada” (sister).

The post had a link to the Daily Nation on-line edition website, in which Ms Lewthwaite escapades were covered in a feature story published on Monday. (READ: Who will catch Samantha?)

The posts read in part:  (dada they r luking (looking) for you. if only they watch the “thomas crown affair” (they)want to catch you I don’t think so. dada ave (have) a gud (good) safari and say habari (hallo) to that sista (sister)from highrise for me...”

Earlier on the British Mail online published a poem she is thought to have authored in which she wished to reunite with Aboud Rogo in Jannah, an Islamic paradise. The poem also said she wished to buy a (suicide) vest.

Mr Kiraithe said: “We believe there is a woman bomber who the public should look out for.” In remaining vigilant, landlords were also asked to make sure that their tenants did not sneak suspicious luggage into their houses.

“In addition, know your tenants and devise ways of establishing whether what they keep in the rented premises is covered by the terms of the applicable tenancy agreement. For example, does the tenancy agreement authorize storage or handling of explosives?” the police said.

The police alert further warned matatu and bus operators that they would be held accountable in case they failed to screen passengers and luggage. “Know your passenger, also their luggage. Remember ignorance of the law is no defence in all conditions,” the police said.

The warning came a day after police charged in court a bus driver, his conductor and loader because explosives were found inside the vehicle during an inspection at the Matuu Police Station last Friday.

The hoteliers and landlords were also asked to demand that their clients sign documents and compare the signatures with the one appearing in their IDs.

An additional way of identifying foreigners from Somalia, the police said, was that many of them would not have immunisation scars on their arms.

“Physically all Kenyans have an immunisation scar on the upper arm. If it’s not visible ask to know more,” Mr Kiraithe said.

Mr Mohammed Takal Sheikhoro, who was the driver, the conductor  Mr Abdi Kadir Salat Hassan and Mr Habani Abdi Ibrahim pleaded guilty before resident magistrate Marhar Awiti Opanga to the counts of transporting explosive devices and six foreigners.

They told the court that they were not aware their bus was carrying explosives when it was intercepted at Matuu en route from Garissa to Nairobi.