Garissa - Security forces are on high alert in northern Kenya over an imminent suicide bomb attack by members of the Al-Shabaab group from neighbouring Somalia.
The police on Monday called on residents living in Northeastern region to be extra alert after the authorities received intelligence reports that terrorists may strike any time.
Northeastern Provincial Police Officer Leo Nyongesa told the residents to be extra vigilant and report any suspicious looking characters to the relevant authorities, adding that security has been beefed up to thwart terror threats.
"It is my appeal to the locals to assist the security apparatus in the region in identifying these criminal gangs through the community policing spirit. We believe we will achieve very little without their support," Nyongesa told a news conference on Monday in Garissa town.
The regional police chief's remarks come a day after police in Garissa arrested two suspects in connection to the New Year eve terror attack in Garissa town.
During the incident, five people were killed and more than 20 others injured when they were celebrating the New Year. Among those who were killed were a paramilitary officer and an Administration Police officer.
Nyongesa said the two suspects, an ex-police officer and a taxi driver, were currently being held at the Garissa police station after being arrested.
The regional police chief who confirmed their arrest said that "a jungle jacket was found in the house of one of the suspects".
