Kenya police target Ethiopians in major security operation

NAIROBI, Kenya — A major security operation targeting Ethiopian immigrants was conducted in Nairobi on Wednesday night where 30 Ethiopians were arrested.

Police said the operation is part of tight security measures put in place to curb crime rates in the country and guard against terrorism-related incidents.

“The operation was conducted in Pangani area where 30 Ethiopian aliens were arrested. They will appear in court today (Thursday),” Nairobi PPO Anthony Kibuchi said.


Those arrested did not posses requisite identification documents legalising their stay in the country while others were found with fake documents, according to police.

Mr Kibuchi told Capital News similar operations will be conducted in other city estates, mainly those inhabited by foreigners.



This includes Eastleigh, Hurlingham and parts of Kileleshwa.



Security in most parts of the country including border points was stepped up since Monday, a day after two bombs were detonated at two social places in Kampala, Uganda killing 74 people.



As many as 100 others were wounded in the attack which Al Shabaab has claimed responsibility.



Military Spokesman Bogita Ongeri on Monday told Capital News that security had been intensified at Kenya’s border, mainly in the Northern part of the country which borders Somalia.



“There shouldn’t be cause for alarm, our borders are secured, we have round the clock patrols there and this has been enhanced after the Kampala bombings,” Mr Ongeri said.



In Nairobi, police said they had established elaborate security measures to help counter terrorism activities and other related incidents.



This includes holding regular meetings with representatives and operators of businesses at congested areas and bus terminus which can be possible targets for terror groups.



A security meeting held in Nairobi on Wednesday evening resolved to have divisional police commanders meet with such representatives to agree on the modalities that can be used to keep their areas safe.



Places like the Muthurwa market, the Railway station and the populous Gikomba market are some of the most congested areas in the city where such meetings will be held beginning Monday, according to police.