Heavy security presence as Kenyans make merry

A heavy presence of security officers was evident in Nairobi and in other major towns on Friday and on Christmas day.

Officers drawn from all police units as well as the National Youth Service patrolled the streets and in shopping malls in Nairobi.

Air surveillance and sea patrols characterised Mombasa and Lamu to ensure that revellers enjoyed their Christmas and New Year holidays without a hitch.

Police officers on leave were recalled to work. Police spokesperson Zipporah Mboroki said this was in line with the newly introduced regulations to ensure safety.

“So far, we have done well. There have not been any major incidents. Patrols have been increased not only in Nairobi but all over the country. All officers are on duty to keep Kenyans’ safe,” Ms Mboroki said.

Deputy President William Ruto urged Kenyans to pray for the nation and the government to arrest insecurity.

In Nairobi, customers in shopping malls were frisked by National Youth Service recruits.

Ms Mboroki said owners of social joints should take responsibility by increasing security in their premises.

“This is a time when a lot of activity goes on in entertainment places. All revellers getting in should be screened. Luggage should also be checked. Any suspicions should be reported to the security officers,” she said.

“In the event that a business owner has reason to believe that police protection is required at their premises, they can report their concerns at the nearest station.”

The Deputy President said that much blood had flowed and Kenyans should turn to prayer.

“As we celebrate, let us also keep in mind that we have lost our dear ones to terrorists. The government is doing all it can to stop these senseless killings but we need your prayers,” Mr Ruto said at African Inland Church Fellowship in Eldoret.

“God tells us in the Bible that if we pray and believe, the Almighty can put a pillar of peace in our nation.”

EVIL PLANS

Mr Ruto, who was chauffeured by his son, casually shook hands with the public on arrival and thereafter.

He said everybody had a big role in ensuring security, stressing that people suspected to harbour evil plans should be reported.

In Eldoret, security was tight as people celebrated Christmas.

Regular, Administration, traffic and Prisons officers and National Youth Service units patrolled the town as families thronged hotels for meals.

Security officers, who moved in of fours, focused on hotels and parks where the wananchi were enjoying.

Officers clad in full combat gear with bullet proof vests did the rounds on the streets in patrol cars. The officers were also vigilant at ATMs and supermarkets.

Private security firms increased the number of personnel and screening in public places was more thorough. Bus saccos were also more thorough while checking travellers.

SURVEILLIANCE TO CONTINUE

Eldoret’s biggest shopping mall, Zion, was a beehive of activity. Officers were on guard as hundreds of people visited salons, hotels, drinking joints and movie theatres.

Mombasa County Commissioner Nelson Marwa said security surveillance would continue even after the festive period.

Mr Marwa told the Press on Christmas day that security was not only for holidaymakers but for all Kenyans.

“There is no room for criminals. Security agents, both uniformed and in civilian clothes were deployed at hotspots,” he said and urged the residents to cooperate with security officers by giving information on any criminal act, so that action can be taken against the criminals.

Reports by Fred Mukinda, Mohamed Ahmed, Winnie Atieno, Copperfield Lagat and Evelyne Simiyu