‘Tanzanian’ al-Shaabab suspects seized in Kenya

Garissa. Six people said to be Tanzanian nationals were arrested on Sunday and a cache of weapons seized from them by police in Garissa, Kenya.

Seven pistols and seven grenades were recovered from the suspects, according to Kenyan authorities.

It is suspected that the men were heading to Somalia to join the terrorist group Al-Shabaab.

Contacted yesterday for comment, the Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI), Mr Diwani Athumani, said police had not received any information regarding the arrests.

“We are closely following it up,” he said when reached by phone.

Addressing journalists in Garissa, Northeastern Regional Coordinator Mohamud Saleh said the men, aged between 20 and 40, were intercepted in Dadaab Town as they were planning to cross into Somalia.

Mr Saleh said the men were being held in Garissa, where they will be interrogated for more information.

He added that two women – a Kenyan and a Tanzanian – were also arrested earlier this week as they were heading to Somalia to become Al-Shabaab brides.

“We arrested six Al-Shabaab militiamen with two pistols, seven grenades, 20 rounds of ammunition and 15 magazines in Garissa Ndogo trading centre in Garissa Town on Sunday and we are looking for more accomplices who are on the run,” Mr Saleh said.

He added that the suspects were being held at Garissa Police Station for more interrogation by officers from the anti-terror police unit.

He added that police were still following crucial leads that would help them apprehend more suspected Al-Shabaab militants hiding in the town.

The regional coordinator said the security officers got a tip-off from the public about the presence of the men.

“We are happy that the locals are cooperating very well with the security agencies.”