NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) – Kenya’s police chief asked residents Saturday to be “extra vigilant” of attacks in the week following Sunday’s anniversary of the Westgate Mall attack.
David Kimaiyo said police have doubled patrols across the country and asked entertainment facilities to continuously review and update security arrangements.
Al-Shabab militants from Somalia claimed responsibility for the Sept. 21 Westgate Mall attack that left 67 people dead.
Gun and grenade attacks have increased in Kenya, starting in October 2011 when Kenya sent its troops to Somalia to fight the militants. Al-Shabab vowed retribution for Kenyan troop presence in Somalia. More recently, the militants also vowed to avenge the death of leader Ahmed Abdi Godane, who was killed by an American airstrike earlier this month.
On Thursday, one person died and 13 others were wounded in gun and grenade attacks in the towns of Wajir and Garissa.