US blames Ruto for increased Al-Shabaab attacks over the firing of Uhuru top security chiefs
3 min read
Ruto security blunder in shaking up top security leadership led to heightened Al-Shabaab attacks according to a US firm
Ruto security blunder in shaking up top security leadership led to heightened Al-Shabaab attacks according to a US firm.
The decision by President William Ruto to simultaneously restructure the nation’s top security leadership has been attributed to the recent uptick in terrorist assaults.
This decision left a security gap that Al Shabaab militants have continued to exploit to launch attacks, according to a special report published on September 1 by the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED), a security data analysis company with headquarters in Wisconsin, United States.
The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) troop decrease that started in June and the insufficient security coordination between the governments of Kenya and Somalia are both cited in the report as contributing factors to the rise in attacks.
In June, ATMIS withdrew 2,000 soldiers from Somalia and transferred control of five Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) to Somali forces.
Another 3,000 troops are scheduled to be withdrawn by the end of September, with the entire withdrawal planned to occur by December 2024, coinciding with the expiry of ATMIS’ mandate.
Moreover, the document also points to the weak law enforcement along the Kenya-Somalia border, which it observes has, enabled militants to cross over and find hideouts.
“The militants’ increased presence in Kenya is also reportedly a result of weak law enforcement along the border a situation made worse by the recent simultaneous changes in the country’s security leadership by President William Ruto, which has left a security void that the militants have been exploiting to launch attacks,” reads the report.
According to the ACLED assessment, these circumstances have made it possible for Al Shabaab terrorists to commit numerous acts of terrorism, particularly in the four North Eastern counties of Mandera, Garissa, Marsabit, and Wajir.
Along the Kenyan Coast, the porous borders have enabled terrorists to infiltrate Lamu and terrorize the area’s residents.
In response to the increased attacks, the government has collaborated with the Somali and US governments.
However, the report notes that Al Shabaab militants have started employing more advanced tactics.
These include; the utilisation of surveillance drones, the deployment of small specialized units, and the use of false flags.
“In Lamu County, in particular, security officers have been reportedly caught off guard, as militants have been laying ambushes in “new terror hotspots,” the report reads in part.
Ruto initiates plans for 2027 re-election bid
Babu Owino gives advice to University students over increased fees
G-20 admits African Union as a permanent member
Most corrupt counties, EACC report
How Raila wanted to break protocal during ACS, Gachagua
All Kenyans working abroad (diaspora) to face mandatory deduction
Additionally, the report highlights, that terrorists aligned with the militant group have taken advantage of increased vegetation cover resulting from recent rainfall, Observing this, has provided them with better hiding spots, including within Boni Forest, Garissa County.
“ACLED data shows that despite being pushed towards the border, Al-Shabaab has taken advantage of the terrain in the border regions as strategic hideouts and retained significant operational capacity,” reads the report.
After taking office, President William Ruto replaced the security chiefs who were under former President Uhuru Kenyatta with his own men in an effort to strengthen his hold on the presidency.
Japhet Koome was proposed by Ruto in September 2022 as the nation’s National Police Service (NPS) Inspector General.
Weeks later, he would make Mohamed Amin, who was in charge of the Internal Affairs Unit at the time, the Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
In May 2023, Ruto nominated Noordin Haji, the former Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) as the Director General of the National Intelligence Service (NIS).
The Head of State then completed his set with the appointment of General Francis Ogolla as the Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) in April 2023.
Also read,
Why you should avoid buying bananas sold in supermarkets; COFEK
Morocco earthquake death toll climbs to over 1,000 as world leaders offer support
DP Gachagua to address the Group of 77 and China (G77) Summit on his Colombia trip
Dennis Itumbi details his fallout with Uhuru Kenyatta
KPLC announces shutdown of prepaid token system
Hundreds killed after powerful 6.8 magnitude earthquake, the strongest in 123 years hit Morocco
Follow us
