Kenya: Security forces kill terror suspect in Kwale county August 31

Event

Security forces killed a terror suspect in Kwale county on Monday, August 31, during counter-terror operations. The suspect, Juma Athman Mwengo, was killed in the Matuga sub-county during a raid on his hideout. The assailant reportedly charged at security personnel with a machete before he was shot dead. A second suspect reportedly managed to escape during the raid. Several machetes and some suspected terror paraphernalia were recovered from the raided home.

Further counter-terror security operations are to be anticipated in Kenya over the near term.

Context

Mwengo was arrested in 2017 in possession of explosives and charged with terrorism, before being released on bond. He then absconded and went into hiding. Authorities reportedly raided his family home in Lunga Lunga last week, but to no avail. Police have stated that Mwengo was a recruiter and planner of terror activities in Mombasa and Kwale.

Advice

Those in Kwale county are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid the area of the incident, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities and their home governments.