Seven suspects linked to MRC

The recent arrest of seven armed people inside Kaya Chonyi and Kaya Jibana forests in Kilifi County highlight security challenges in the region.

During the security operation, more than 1,000 youths were arrested, separately.

Police said they suspected the seven people arrested in the forests to be members of the Mombasa Republican Council (MRC).

A team from various police units and the National Intelligence Service recovered home-made guns, books on martial training and flags belonging to MRC from the forests.

Acting Coast regional CID coordinator Henry Ondiek said the gang was planning “heavy attacks” on some towns in Kilifi County.

The training base, deep inside Kaya Chonyi, was a clear indication that the gang was headed by a skilled person, according to the police boss.
“If you are aware of the security set up of a military training site, this resembles one.”
At the site, the gang members used a tall cashew nut tree as a watchtower, he said.

Kilifi County Commissioner Albert Kobia said police also recovered machetes, pangas, slashers and knives. They also found five live goats that detectives believe were to be eaten by the attackers before conducting a raid.

Separately, Kilifi Governor Amason Kingi accused the Interior ministry of sidelining him insecurity operations in the county.
Security meeting

Speaking at Karisa Maitha Stadium during a recent fund raising attended by Deputy President William Ruto, the governor said Interior minister Joseph ole Lenku held a high level security meeting without involving him.

“How can a Cabinet Secretary come to this county and hold a sensitive security meeting without consulting me as the governor?”

Meanwhile, MRC leaders distanced the group from recent attacks in Kilifi, Lamu and Tana River.

MRC deputy spokesman Richard Lewa said that the attacks were the work of some criminals and not members of the group.