Two Tanzanian nationals linked to the terror group, Al Shabaab, were on Friday, July 14, arrested in Moyale after they wandered off from their path while heading to Somalia.[UN24]
A statement by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) indicated that the foreigners were using a Swahili scribbled notebook for directions to the Kenya – Somalia border before they veered off.
Detectives detailed that the duo got confused over the directions contained in the booklet because they were new recruits not well versed with the dusty roads.
Following the confusion, the two found themselves in the hands of security officers patrolling the area after the Northern Kenyan recorded increased attacks.
“They were using a notebook scribbled in Swahili to guide their movement from Tanzania to Jilib in Somalia,” read the statement in part.
Three other suspected recruits from Tanzania were also arrested in Garissa County.
Detectives revealed that the trio were still new in the country and got stranded when they got lost. Garissa residents first raised an alarm after spotting the unfamiliar faces and reported the incident to the police leading to their apprehension.
Separately, two other suspects arrested in 2016 went on trial in a Mombasa Court.
“The two will face various charges under the Prevention of Terrorism Act including, directing the commission of a terrorist act, recruitment of members of a terrorist group, soliciting for the commission of a terrorist act and promoting a terrorist act among others” read the statement in part.
Consequently, Kenyans were advised to stay on high alert and report any suspected criminal activities linked to the terror group.
The arrests and prosecution of the suspects came after an insurgence of attacks that has seen scores lose their lives. For instance, five people were killed during an attack in Lamu on June, 24.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki, as a result, ordered the closure of the Somalia border which had been reopened in phases beginning May 15.
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