____________________________________________________________________________

Muqdisho | QOL | 03 August 2017 —The Kenyan government on Saturday announced elaborate security measures in the coastal region ahead of Tuesday’s general elections due to threats posed by Al-Shabaab group.

Regional Coordinator Nelson Marwa said the security apparatus will ensure that voting is not disrupted by either local or foreign illegal groups.

Marwa said they have mapped the region and deployed adequate security officers to ensure the elections are peaceful.

“We are aware some groups including the Al-Shabaab are planning to carry attacks ahead of the polls. We have heighted security to avert any possible attacks during or after the election,” he told journalists in Mombasa.

Marwa said security has been scaled up in Lamu and Tana River counties following recent terror attacks by the Al-Shabaab militant group. He said they will ensure that residents in both counties will cast their votes next week.

The Al-Shabaab has threatened to conduct several attacks with an aim to cause fear among Kenyans and stop them from taking part in the elections especial along the border town within Kenya Somalia border.

Marwa said the government will not lift curfew in Lamu and Tana River until the Al-Shabaab threats are contained.

Acting Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiangi imposed a three month dawn to dusk curfew in Lamu, Tana River and Garissa counties to contain al Shabaab.

Holugho Border Point, Galmagala, Sangailu, Masalani, Bodehei, Milimani, Baure, Basuba, Mangai and Maralani are among the areas where the curfew will apply.

Other areas include Ijara, Hola, Garsen, Kipini, Kiunga and Ishakani/ Dar-es-Salaam Border Point.

Matiang’i however said the curfew excludes the Islands of Lamu, Manda and Pate