US warns its citizens in Kenya, says Westerners may be targeted by extremists

The United States of America has issued a warning to its citizens living in Kenya notifying them that “credible information indicates Westerners may be targeted by extremists groups”.

According to the US embassy in a statement, the target of the militants could include several parts of the East African country, listing Nairobi, Naivasha, Nanyuki and coastal areas, all popular with foreign tourists.

“The US Embassy reminds the public of the continued need for heightened vigilance throughout Kenya, especially in public spaces such as shopping malls, hotels, and places of worship,” the statement said.

The warning comes just weeks after a deadly al-Shabab attack on an upmarket hotel in the capital, Nairobi, in which at least 21 people, including a US citizen, were shot dead.

Read also: Trump out to kill me, Venezuela’s Maduro claims

Sixteen Kenyans and a British citizen were also killed in the siege that lasted more than 19 hours.

Somali security forces say the deadly car bomb attack on a mall at Mogadishu’s Hamarweyne district was probably carried out by dreaded militant group Al-Shabab.

The attack which claimed no less than 10 lives and left 11 other victims injured had the traces of the militant group local authorities say.

Reports say Al Shabaab frequently carries out such bombings in Mogadishu and other parts of Somalia against government and other targets.

“Several dead people were removed from a wrecked building at the blast scene. So far death toll is 11 civilians and 10 others injured,” police officer Mohamed Hussein said.

Join the conversation

Opinions

Support Ripples Nigeria, hold up solutions journalism

Balanced, fearless journalism driven by data comes at huge financial costs.

As a media platform, we hold leadership accountable and will not trade the right to press freedom and free speech for a piece of cake.

If you like what we do, and are ready to uphold solutions journalism, kindly donate to the Ripples Nigeria cause.

Your support would help to ensure that citizens and institutions continue to have free access to credible and reliable information for societal development.

Donate Now