More marines and reduce embassy staff over terrorist threats

The magnitude of the terror threat facing the country Kenya was exposed on Saturday after it emerged that the US ambassador had requested extra security and will reduce the size of staff working at the embassy.

Mr Robert Godec Saturday, in a statement, maintained that the embassy would remain open for normal operations and there were no plans to close it down.

But an Associated Press report said Mr Godec had sent a letter to the more than 1,300 embassy staff on Friday telling them that he would reduce the embassy’s “overall footprint” in Kenya by reducing the number of Americans in Nairobi. Associated Press is a respected American news agency.

On Saturday, Mr Godec said his foremost interest was to protect American citizens and to keep them informed, which is the most important responsibility of every US ambassador and embassy.

“The embassy is continuously reviewing and updating its security measures, and expects to take additional steps in coming days, to include on US staffing,” said the ambassador.

In the Friday letter, he said Kenyan police officers are fortifying security at the embassy pending the arrival of Marines from Washington next week.

“The United States greatly appreciates the Kenyan government’s rapid response to requests for additional security at diplomatic facilities while it also increases security at public and other critical venues,” said the ambassador on Saturday.

The AP reported that armed Marines were patrolling the grounds clad in bullet-proof vests and helmets and that the frequency of emergency drills that tell embassy personnel to “duck and cover” are on the rise.

“Unfortunately, the US government continues to receive information about potential terrorist threats aimed at both Kenyans and the international community,” Mr Godec said.

Kenya has experienced 12 explosions since last year’s Westgate attack, which have claimed 30 lives.

The British government has evacuated more than 500 tourists from Kenya’s coast after issuing a travel advisory on Wednesday citing an increasing terror threat against its nationals in the country.

The US, France and Australia have issued similar advisories.

However, the latest attacks have raised eyebrows as the Al Shabaab terrorist group has not been claiming responsibility as is the norm.