Two Tanzanian nationals linked to Al Shabaab, the Al Qaeda-affiliated terror group, were on Friday, July 14, arrested in Moyale after they wandered off from their path while heading to Somalia.
A statement by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) indicated that the foreigners were relying on a notebook scribbled in Swahili for directions to the Kenya – Somalia border.
Detectives clarified that the inexperienced recruits were still new and unfamiliar with the Kenyan terrain and got lost while trying to follow the directions provided in the booklet.
Following the confusion, the two found themselves in the hands of security officers patrolling the area after the government deployed extra personnel to man the area following 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 Garissa residents first raised the alarm after spotting the new faces prompting them to report the development to the police.
In a separate case, two terror suspects arrested in 2016 are facing trial at 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 remain vigilant and report any suspected terror activities.
The arrests and prosecution of the suspects came after an insurgence of attacks that saw 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.