Kenya defeats terrorists after four-day siege (2)

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Kenya defeats terrorists after four-day siege (2)

(Xinhua) 08:22, September 25, 2013

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QUESTION OVER SECURITY

Following the attack, Kenya has beefed up security along borders between Kenya and Ethiopia and between Kenya and Somalia to prevent insurgents from neighboring countries from passing to launch incursion, according to Cabinet Secretary in charge of Internal Security Joseph Ole Lenku.

He said the security apparatus in the regions has been ordered to scale up their security check and ensure that no one gets in or out of the country following the attack. All major hotels, restaurants, bars and public service vehicle (PSV) operators across the country have been directed to enhance their security by reviewing their security arrangements which include screening visitors.

Kenya has maintained its enviable reputation as an island of peace in a sea of turmoil since independence in 1963. However, the increased insurgency during recent years, particularly the Saturday attack on the mall with security guards at each entrance, pushes Kenya to review its counter-terrorism measures.

At a televised emergency session of the National Assembly on Tuesday to discuss the security situation of the weekend tragedy, lawmakers vented their outrage at the security lapse in the country and pushed for reforms in the security system.

Timothy Wanyonyi in whose constituency the terror attack happened lamented over huge intelligence gathering failure before the attack, according to local media Standard. Majority leader Adan Duale whose Garissa Township constituency has been engulfed in terror since Kenya sent troops into Somalia said the raid should be a wake-up call for the government to institute security reforms.

Werunga Simiyu, a regional security expert who spoke to Xinhua on Monday emphasized that the current counter-terrorism measures in Kenya have not adequately tackled this challenge.

As neighboring countries in the horn and central African region roiled in civil strife, Kenya remained peaceful and played host to millions of refugees fleeing bloodshed in Somalia, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Sudan, Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda and Uganda.

"Instability in the region has obviously bred terrorism that has crossed our borders. There is no denying militias and rebel groups found a safe haven in Kenya where they could plot and execute their destructive schemes," Simiyu said.

He regretted that Kenya's vulnerability to terrorist activities has been worsened by lax security measures at border points while limited technology and resources undermine detection and early warning to foil major attacks.

"Our vigilance has not been adequate and should be strengthened through adoption of cutting edge technologies and retraining of an inter-agency unit charged with combating terrorism. Every loophole that allows terrorists to enter the country and set up base undetected should be sealed," Simiyu stressed.

"It is appropriate at this juncture for Kenya to revamp her security architecture to combat terrorism effectively," he said.