Terror Threat in Kenya, Assessment Warns Coastal Christian Churches Targets of Transnational Terrorists

EVENT SUMMARY

Christian churches particularly those in the Coastal and North Eastern regions of Kenya are likely to be attacked by the Al-Qaeda branch in Somalia, Harakat al-Shabaab al-Mujahideen movement in towards the end of August and throughout September 2015, specifically during sunday service congregations.

The terror group views Christian churches as both targets and threats to its radical Islamist movement. As such, elements of the movement have been tasked to identify and case Christian centers and churches.

In early August 2015, the group issued a statement calling on attacks against non-Muslims. The group further released a video asking adherents to avenge closure of Mosques and alleged persecution of Muslims in North Eastern and Coastal regions of Kenya.

ASSESSMENT

Al-Shabaab spiritual leaders in Kenya asked adherents to evenge closure of mosques in the coastal Kenya. The closure happened during the counter-terrorism operations by Kenya security agencies targeting mosques facillitating recruitment, radicalization, and spread of terrorism in Kenya.

These 2 statements quantify passing of both, orders and the specific target, besides target location. Trusted messengers deeply embeded in high dimention communication networks; specifically social media networks, voiced their nod.

By giving the nod, the messengers passed the orders to the cells whose role is to select amongst themselves the most suitable to carryout the operation. The cells conduct surveillance or use existing information on targets previsously surveilled and identified as possible targets.

Other terror vital signs besides virtual ‘critical terror threat‘ detection points used by Strategic Intelligence Service SIS confirm a bias; that there is a high possibility Al-Qaeda branch in Somalia, Harakat al-Shabaab al-Mujahideen movement will attack soft targets in Kenya :specifically civillian targets with a focus on non-Muslims congregations or Christian Churches and related services operating in NEP and Coastal regions of the Republic of Kenya.

This threat is not confined to the mentioned regions, hence may apply in the Capital Nairobi and areas where churches have large congregations. Christian based organizations such as training centers and relief services operating inthe mapped zones maybe targets.

Countering violent extremism in Kenya is multifaceted. Kenya is working with experts in the subject to destroy the outfits.