OFFICE OF THE INSPECTOR GENERAL NATIONAL POLICE SERVICE NAIROBI – KENYA PRESS RELEASE SECURITY UPDATE

The security operation, which began on April 5th 2014 is still ongoing countrywide. We have made good progress in the operation as we have managed to arrest several aliens and suspects in Nairobi, Mombasa and other counties. On 25th April 2014, Police Officers acting on information confronted a wanted terrorist criminal who had undergone military training in Somalia. When challenged to surrender, he opened fire on the officers, prompting a shoot-out which led to him being killed. A Beretta pistol and three unexpended rounds were recovered. On the same day in Nyeri, police officers intercepted three suspects in a motor vehicle who had earlier committed a robbery in Karatina. These suspects defied an order by the officers to stop and instead opened fire to the officers resulting into exchange of fire, leading to the three suspects to be fatally shot. An AK 47 rifle and 3 rounds of ammunition were recovered. On a sad note, I want to express on my own behalf and on behalf of the National Police Service my deep sympathy and sincere condolences to the families, relatives and friends of the officers who lost their lives as a result of the heinous and cowardly act which occurred in Pangani on 23rd April 2014. Their act of selflessness, commitment, devotion and dedication to duty for thwarting this criminal elements, who would have caused damaged and loss of lives of unknown proportions will forever be appreciated by all peace loving Kenyans and citizens. I thus condemn this act in the strongest terms possible. Investigations into the Pangani incident are ongoing and three suspects have been arrested and arraigned in court. The National Police Service shall relentlessly continue with the investigations so as to bring to book all accomplices who contributed in whichever way in the commission of this heinous act. To this end, I have posthumously promoted the two deceased officers to their respective next rank i.e. PC Francis Murage and PC Samwel Cheptuk to the ranks of Corporals. Cpl Samuel Kabiru and PC Alex Ndara who survived the incident have also been promoted to the ranks of Sergeant and Corporal respectively with effect from the date of that incident. I want to urge all leaders and all Kenyans of goodwill not to politicize the ongoing operation and give law enforcement agencies room to do what they have been mandated by law to ensure that there is peace and security in the country. I am also appealing to members of the civil society that although they may have dissenting opinions over security operations; they should equally have the plight of victims of crime and terror in their minds and make balanced observations and objective criticisms. The National Police Service in collaboration with other security agencies will not be detracted or cowed from achieving the noble objectives of the operation. We shall continue to enhance our efforts in dealing with criminals elements in our midst in accordance to the law. This notwithstandinghowever, all officers must ensure that measures taken to combat terrorism comply with all their obligations under the law, and in particular, all aspects of human rights. In this regard, I reaffirm to the officers, my full support and that of the government as they go about the duties. I want to reiterate that any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, wherever, whenever and by whomsoever. Security of our country as well as of our visitors remains a key priority to us. We must all understand that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitute one of the most serious threats to peace and security. The citizens also have a duty to be vigilant at all times and share with law enforcement agencies any relevant and timely information which may help interdict or pre-empt acts or incidents of crime which will directly or indirectly disrupt our peace and tranquility. Thank you. God Bless You. God Bless Kenya. DAVID M. KIMAIYO, MGH, CBS INSPECTOR GENERAL NATIONAL POLICE SERVICE Date: 26th April 2014