Cases of extremism and terror attacks on the decline

Cases of extremism and terror attacks in the country have dropped sharply in the last two years, the Ministry of Internal Security and National Administration has said.

However, there are active terror cells in Northern Eastern and parts of the Coast where Improvised Explosive Device (IED) attacks continue to be recorded targeting communication masks and security officers on patrol.

The Ministry noted that terror threats will however be addressed when the Counties Prevention of Violent Extremism (PVE) model bill is passed by the 47 counties.

According to the PS in charge of the Ministry Dr Raymond Omollo, 13 counties were affected by cases of illegal arms with communities attacking each other.

Omollo noted that though cases of extremism and terror attacks had gone down, security agents were still on high alert mainly during the upcoming festive season.

The PS noted that the bill once enacted into law would empower counties financially, support local communities, and assist in integrating those who had joined terror groups.

“North Eastern and parts of Coast have recorded few cases of terror attacks and radicalization but we are working with community and non-state actors to stem this,” he said.

Addressing the press during a consultative meeting in Simba Lodge, Naivasha to discuss the bill, the PS identified violent extremism, religion, and banditry as security issues on the State’s radar.

He added that ahead of the festive season, the government had formed a multi-agency team from the national to the counties to address the issue of security.

“We have formed a multi-agency team involving uniformed officers and other security agencies and it will be operational from early December to January next year,” he said.

The Director National Counter Terrorism Center (NCTC) Kibiego Kigen lauded Nairobi, Nyeri, and Laikipia counties for supporting the Prevention of Violent Extremism (PVE) model bill.

He admitted that terror and extremist groups were still in force and were using advanced technology.

“We have partnered with the Council of Governors and the County Assembly Forum in supporting this critical bill as part of addressing terrorism issues,” he said.

The CEO of County Assembly Forum (CAF) Lorna Losem promised that they would lobby to make sure that all counties enacted the model bill into law.

“This journey started back in 2022 and we are working closely with the National Counter Terrorism Center in evaluation and monitoring as counties discuss this bill,” she said.

Others who spoke were Nakuru County Commissioner Loyford Kibaara who said that the bill would address the issue of resources that for years had remained a challenge to stakeholders.