President Uhuru Kenyatta has directed internal security institutions to heighten vigilance and surveillance across the country following the unfolding security situation in the region.
The Head of State gave the instructions during Friday’s National Security Council meeting.
This directive comes shortly after the National Police Service expressed concern over the recent unfolding events that may not only threaten the country’s national security but adversely impact other nations in the greater Eastern Africa region.
Three other nations Sudan, Mali and Guinea are in the spotlight after military leaders seized power in recent coups.
“The Government of Kenya notes with concern recent and unfolding events that disturb the peace and stability in neighbouring countries and the greater Eastern Africa region. As an immediate neighbour to some of the affected countries, Kenya may be adversely impacted by the consequences of the events” read the statement by police spokesman Bruno Shioso.
Kenya is worried that the instability may lead to an influx of foreigners into the country.
Consequently, the police have advised citizens to be vigilant and report undocumented aliens and unprocessed immigrants to the nearest police station.
“Citizens are advised to exercise vigilance and to practice caution in their surroundings. Suspected cases of undocumented aliens and unprocessed immigrants in the country should be immediately reposed to the nearest police station” the police urged Kenyans.
The US has since suspended Ethiopia, Mali and Guinea from the United States’ tariff-free African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).
Meanwhile, Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission Moussa Faki Mahamat has expressed deep concern over the escalation of military confrontation in Ethiopia.
“The Chairperson calls for the immediate cessation of hostilities, the full respect for the life and property of civilians, as well as state infrastructure,” an AU statement read, urging the parties to the conflict to engage in dialogue and seek a peaceful solution in the interests of the country.
Mahamat urged all parties to safeguard the territorial integrity, unity and national sovereignty of the Federal Republic of Ethiopia.
He further called on the parties to urge their supporters against acts of reprisal against any community, and refrain from hate speech and incitement to violence and divisiveness.
