Security Highlights: April 15th - April 21st

Welcome to the first installment of our new series - the weekly roundup of security news! This curated digest brings you the latest developments, meticulously selected to inform you about recent developments in security in Kenya.

Thursday 18th April?

Kenya Mourns Defence Chief Killed In Helicopter Crash

The Chief of the Defence Forces (CDF), General Francis Ogolla, and nine other military officers died, while two sustained injuries when a military helicopter crashed in Sindar area, Keben in Elgeyo Marakwet County, at approximately 1420hrs on 18 April.

The 12 officers were visiting troops deployed to Operation Maliza Uhalifu in the North Rift and inspecting renovation works in five schools. The cause of the accident is currently unknown. President William Ruto declared that the country will observe three days of mourning beginning Friday 19 April.? The Defence Chief was buried on Sunday, 21st April, at his home in Siaya County.

Source: The Star

Sunday 21st April

IED Explosion IVO Dadaab, Garissa County

Reports indicate that an improvised explosive device (IED) detonated in the vicinity of IVO Dadaab, Garissa County, targeting a commercial vehicle. Casualties are yet to be confirmed. At the time of reporting, no group has taken responsibility for the attack.

Source:?Standard

Saturday, 13 April?(Delayed reporting)

Al Shabaab raid Elwak Hospital, Mandera County

A group of suspected al-Shabaab militants raided a local hospital and terrorized guards on duty. The militants inquired about the whereabouts of doctors at the hospital and fled towards?Burahache after they failed to get any doctors on duty. No injuries were reported. This attack shows the persistent?threat of ambushes on roads in the region.

Source: The Star

Friday 12 April (Delayed reporting)

Conviction of Former Medic on Terror-Related Charges?

A Milimani Court found Mohamed Abdi Ali guilty of being linked to a terrorist group. The suspect was?arrested in 2016 on suspicion of planning an attack in Kenya using anthrax bacteria. At the time, he was a medical intern based in Wote, Makueni County. Ali was pronounced guilty on multiple counts, including membership in a terrorist group, specifically the Islamic State (ISIS), organizing a meeting in support of terrorist groups, recruitment of members to a terrorist group, collection of information, and possession of articles connected with the commission of terrorist acts. All these violations fall under the purview of the Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA). Sentencing is set for 22 April.?

Source: The Standard

Thursday 9th April?(Delayed reporting)

23 Apprehended in Operation Targeting Juvenile Criminal Gangs in Mombasa County

To address the issue of juvenile criminal gangs in the county, the Mombasa County commissioner, Mohamed Noor, disclosed that 23 individuals were apprehended during an operation on the night of 9 April. These suspects are believed to be actively involved in criminal activities across various parts of the county. The operation reflects ongoing efforts to tackle the issue of juvenile criminal gangs in Mombasa, highlighting the authorities' commitment to ensuring safety and security in the region.

Source: Baraka FM

That concludes our roundup for this week. Thank you for reading!

Stay tuned for our next edition, where we will keep you updated on matters of security in Kenya. We wish you a lovely week ahead.