Editor's Review

A letter by a police commander listed five areas in Nairobi that are being targetted by al-Shabaab militants. 

Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome has stated that administrative action has been taken against Makadara Police commander Timon Odingo over a terror attack memo. 

In a press statement on Wednesday, December 13, Koome said that the officer did not receive any instructions in accordance with the chain of command to issue the letter.

"The National Police Service has noted with utmost concern the contents of a letter circulating on social media warning of a potential attack in Nairobi.

"In tandem with the communication procedure with the NPS, we wish to clarify that the letter has neither originated from the Office of the Inspector General nor has the undersigned officer received any instructions in accordance with the chain of command to author or disseminate the letter," read part of the statement.


President William Ruto shakes hands with Japhet Koome.

"We would like to take this opportunity to assure the public that the country is safe and under strict surveillance by multi-agency security teams. Members of public are therefore encouraged to continue with their daily businesses without fear," Koome stated.

In the letter dated December 13, Mr. Odingo listed five areas that were being targetted by Al-Shabaab and called for the deployment of more security in the area. 

"There is a need for deployment of armed security officers in and around the vulnerable installations, patrols, impromptu roadblocks and vehicle searches to deter al-Shabaab from fulfilling its mission," Odingo's communique dated December 13, reads in part.

The Presbyterian Guest House and Conference Centre in South C and Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church in South B were among the targeted religious centres listed.

Other places were Nairobi West Mall, Capital Centre, Garden City Mall, and T-Mall.