Three terror suspects cross into Somalia-Kenyan police

By Fauxile Kibet

Kenyan police Wednesday identified three terror suspects it said have crossed over to Somalia to join the Al- shabaab terror group. The security officers warned the three were already in Somalia undergoing training with intent to launch terror attacks in Kenya.

Kenyan police spokesman Charles Owino said that Mohamed Abdalla Asman alias Papa alias Raymond from Majengo in Nairobi, Hamisi Hemed alias Baloteli and Ali Ahmed Ali, both from Malindi are missing.

“The three are suspected to have sneaked out of the country to Somalia to join the Al shabaab in early April this year with the help of some local Al-Shabaab contact who we are also pursuing,” Said Mr Owino.

“We have information that the three plan to sneak back into the country to stage terror attacks. We also have information that they are in contact with suspected terrorists within the country with whom they may be planning for attacks,” he added.

According to statement issued by the Kenyan Police, Asman completed a four year jail term in Garissa GK Prison last July following conviction October 2013.

Police said that Asman was being facilitated by Sheikh Ibrahim Umar alias Amru who taught him religion at Answar Sunna Mosque in Mombasa later made plans for his travel to Somalia but was arrested before the plan succeeded.

“We regret to note that there are still some families and Kenyan businessmen who are knowingly abetting radicalization, recruitment and facilitation their kins to join terror groups,” said the Police spokesman.

The Kenyan security officers are now calling for information that may lead to the arrest of the three suspects and also challenged Kenyans to report anyone who is involved in radicalizing Kenyan youth to join the terror organization.

“We therefore warn those who do not cooperate with the police, especially parents, that withholding information on suspected radicalization, they risk losing their children.”

Kenyan police have in the past issued warnings over in increase in Kenyan youth travelling to Somalia to join the Al-shabaab group and plotting attacks inside Kenya.

In February, Kenyan police officers intercepted a cache of arms that were wet being shipped from Somalia to Nairobi to stage an attack on courts and Parliament.

A car rigged with explosives was recovered in Merti, Isiolo County and four suspects who are now facing charges were arrested with weapons including several hand grenades.