Anti-terrorism detectives have apprehended an assistant chief for allegedly facilitating the issuance of fraudulent identification documents to two terror suspects.
The Assistant Chief of Bula Power sub-location in Mandera Township was nabbed on Thursday, February 20, just days after two foreign nationals were arrested over suspected terror-related activities.
According to the DCI, the assistant chief is believed to have aided in the processing of Kenyan identification documents for the two foreign nationals by facilitating the procurement of an acknowledgment for a waiting card.
“The assistant chief has been processed with the detectives and other security agencies working tirelessly to ensure that the residents of Mandera and all working within the town and its environs remain safe and secure and they undertake their day-to-day activities,” a statement from the DCI read.
Members of the outlawed Al Shabaab terror group in Mogadishu on May 19, 2021.
Photo
Council on Foreign Relations
On February 18, the Anti-Terror Police Unit (ATPU) arrested two terror suspects after thwarting their plot to abduct Chinese nationals working on a sewer line construction site in Mandera Township.
One of the terror suspects is believed to have crossed the Kenyan border from El-Adde in Somalia.
After sneaking into the country, the suspect reportedly forged Kenyan documents to pose as a Kenyan citizen. The pair is expected to be charged under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA).
In recent weeks, Mandera has emerged as a hot spot for terrorism activity, particularly because of its proximity to Somalia – a key base for al-Shabaab operations.
While the government has continually heightened security operations in the region to thwart any potential threats, terror suspects appear to have also devised new ways to bypass authorities.
Earlier in February, five local chiefs were kidnapped from Mandera county, with al-Shabab militants demanding a ransom of KSh7 million.
The five chiefs were on their way to Elwak for official duties when their vehicle was intercepted by the terror group, who blindfolded them before taking control of their vehicle and driving towards Lafey, which is infamous for terror-related activities.
Incidentally, the harrowing incident took place just a day before President William Ruto’s scheduled visit to Mandera County for a development tour.
President William Ruto at the Mandera Teachers Training College in Mandera, Mandera County, February 2, 2025.
Photo
William Ruto