A Nigerian journalist on Friday cancelled her trip to Nairobi, claiming that Kenya was 'too dangerous for her to visit at the moment.
Ms Kemi Omololu-Olunloyo, who is barely known to Kenyans, was supposedly invited to attend the African Women in Media event that kicked off in Nairobi today and will run until Saturday.
She cited the bomb attack in Mogadishu, Somalia where six people were killed in a suicide attack on a government building that targeted a UN official on Wednesday.
“Kenyan fans, I will no longer be attending #AWiM19 African Women in Media due to a SECURITY THREAT as a result of the Al-Shabab bomb attack today in the Mogadishu Mayors office. I will not be in #Nairobi tomorrow. Al-Shabab terrorists often operate in Kenya,” she posted.
But Busia Woman Representative Florence Mutua, was quick to dismiss her claims, arguing that she should even not bother coming to Kenya.
"Madam! Leave our Country alone! Stay in your safe City. Pastor Nganga please give me a word," said Ms Mutua.
Although she claimed that Kenya isn't safe, the last time Al-Shabaab launched a major attack was in January, when they killed over 21 people at Dusit D2 Hotel.
On Wednesday, Al-Shabaab, through a female suicide bomber, struck at Mogadishu Mayor Omar Osman's office, killing six people on the spot.
In a statement, Al-Shabaab conceded that they were targeting Mr James Swan, United Nations representative to Somalia. He had visited the officer moments before.
“I deplore this heinous attack which not only demonstrates a violent disregard for the sanctity of human life, but also targets Somalis working to improve the lives of their fellow Somalis in the Mogadishu-Banadir region,” Mr. Swan said.
“The United Nations stands with the people and government of Somalia in their rejection of such terrorist acts, and our thoughts are with the victims of this attack.”