Members of militant group Al Shabaab while on training. [Photo/ vosizneias.com]
Tana River County Commissioner Oningoi ole Sossion has dispelled fears of the presence of Al Shabaab militants in the county.
Ole Sossion said Thursday claims that armed members of the combative group were in the geographically expansive county were baseless.He, however, said security personnel will investigate the rumours to establish the truth.There have been claims that over 30 members of the Somalia-based militant group were sported at Mnazini in Tana River.According to residents, the armed fighters were seen at Wayo village by children herding cattle.“If it is true these people (Al Shabaab) are here we will pursue and arrest them,” ole Sossion said in an interview with a local radio station on Thursday.“But I urge people to remain calm as we carry out investigations.”He said security offers were on a high alert to thwart any security threats in the Coastal County.Coast is among regions in the country which have suffered the heaviest brunt of terrorism.The last time suspected Al Shabaab fighters attacked Kenya was three weeks ago when a police vehicle was hit by an explosive sunk in the ground in Garissa County.Three police office officer were killed during the incident.Last month, about 30 people lost lives in North Eastern Kenya in terror-associated attacks.