No flights cancelled, say Kenya and Britain

PHOTO | FILE Interior Principal Secretary Mutea Iringo addressing the Press in the past. Iringo has dismissed reports that flights to the United Kingdom have been cancelled due to terror threats.   NATION

In Summary

• Despite threat, planes are operating normally
• Social media rumours intended to cause fear and despondency says PS
• The British High Commissioner to Kenya, Christian Turner, on Saturday said that although there was a high threat of terrorism, including kidnapping, the flights from the UK were operating normally, contrary to reports that they had been cancelled.

By ZADOCK ANGIRA
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Kenya and the UK on Saturday dismissed social media rumours of impending terror attacks and the cancellation of flights from the European nation to Nairobi.

The British High Commissioner to Kenya, Christian Turner, on Saturday said that although there was a high threat of terrorism, including kidnapping, the flights from the UK were operating normally, contrary to reports that they had been cancelled.

“Rumours that the UK has cancelled flights to Kenya are not true,” said Mr Turner in a statement.

The government has also once again urged Kenyans to be extra vigilant and share whatever information they have on security matters.

DISMISSED REPORTS

The Ministry of Interior and Coordination of National Government on Saturday dismissed the reports that had been circulating in the social media. “However, the terror threats are a reality in the country as they are all over the world.”

Interior Principal Secretary Mutea Iringo said the government had noted with serious concern messages circulated on social media and through other forums about an impending terror attack on Saturday and the cancellation of flights by the United Kingdom.

“The government wishes to clarify that it has no information about any flights having been cancelled,” he said.

Mr Iringo termed the messages alarming and intended to cause fear and despondency. “It is worth noting that causing fear and despondency is one of the tactics used by terror groups to terrify and demoralise innocent citizens,” he said.

Mr Iringo said the country’s security agencies were constantly on high alert to ensure that shopping malls and other vital installations were well guarded.

In Kenya, Britain has advised against all but essential travel to areas within 60 km of the Kenya-Somali border; to Kiwayu and coastal areas north of Pate Island; to Garissa District; to the Eastleigh area of Nairobi; and to low income areas of Nairobi, including all township or slum areas.

“The government urges Kenyans to disregard rumours calculated to cause panic but always remain vigilant,” said Mr Iringo.

NORMAL FLIGHTS SCHEDULE

Kenya Airways Group CEO Titus Naikuni, in a statement sent to newsrooms, also said that they were operating normal flights to the UK.

In their advice, the UK asked its citizens to be more vigilant.