US warns of attack ahead of Obama’s visit to Kenya

The United States has warned its citizens in Kenya to be very vigilant ahead of President Barack Obama’s visit to the east African country next week.

The US state department warned American nationals of terror threats on unspecified locations, saying they could be turned into targets.

“As with all large public events, there is the opportunity for criminal elements to target participants and other visitors,” read the alert.

The security warning said large-scale public events such as the 6th annual Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES) that would hold in Nairobi from July 24 to 26, could also be “a target for terrorists”.

The travel alert also encouraged the Americans to enroll in the Smart Traveller Enrollment Programme (SMART) to enable them to receive pertinent safety and security information.

“Large-scale public events such as this summit can also be a target for terrorists,” the alert read.

“US citizens should maintain a high level of security awareness and enroll in the Smart Traveller Enrollment Programme (STEP) to receive pertinent safety and security information.”

The al Qaeda-allied militia group, Al-Shabaab, has threatened Kenya with retaliatory attacks, saying it considers the forces’ cross border incursion an affront to Somalia’s sovereignty.

The warnings are a blow to Kenya’ s already troubled tourist industry which relies on foreign visitor, many of whom combine safaris with beach holidays in Mombasa.

Obama’s first visit to Kenya as the US president has been described as historic by the east African nation’s ruling elite, scholars and ordinary citizens.

Security has been heightened in Kenya as the country’s plays host to the global meeting.

The authorities have mounted CCTV cameras at every entry and exit point within Nairobi and the surrounding areas.

The cameras are high speed devices capable of capturing number plates of a moving vehicle, making it easier to follow on anyone suspect.

The police have been deployed in key strategic regions in Nairobi, including supermarkets and government installations that could be attacked by the Somali militants.

“We are under strict instructions to ensure law and order is maintained and to thwart any attempts by Al-Shabaab to carry out any attacks in this city of any part of this country,” a police officer said.

The officer, who declined to be named, said more security officers would be deployed in Nairobi when Obama lands in the country.

The heightened security is expected to be even higher as Obama’s visit gets closer with both Kenyan and American security officials teaming up to guard the East African nation.