Kenya in the news again - another grenade attack in Mombasa

RPS reported grenade attacks in Mombasa in mid December and issued a security alert for travellers to Kenya over Christmas.  This advice still stands and as ever RPS would urge travellers to stay vigilant in Kenya. Early this morning another attack took place, but as yet no-one has claimed responsibility.

Several people were injured today in a grenade attack targeting a bar in Kenya's Diani Beach area; the Tandoori bar. Diani Beach is a popular tourist area about 40 km south of Mombasa. 

The incident reportedly took place at approximately 03:30 local time and it is unknown whether any foreigners were injured in the attack. The Chief of Police said the attack was carried out by three people who appeared from the other side of the road, threw a grenade at the nightclub and then escaped on a motorbike. All the injured were Kenyans. 

Although there have been no claims of responsibility, a terrorist/insurgent motive is likely.

Kenya is still subject to a high threat of terrorism, which stems primarily from members and sympathisers of al-Shabaab, an Islamist insurgent organisation based in Somalia. Al-Shabaab-linked militants have carried out both low-level and major attacks in Kenya, in retaliation for the country's ongoing counterinsurgency operations targeting al-Shabaab strongholds in Somalia.

Self-radicialised individuals also pose a threat to security in Kenya and in addition, militant separatist groups such as the Mombasa Republic Council (MRC) are active in the former Coast Province (where Diana Beach and Mombasa are located) and have conducted low-level attacks of this nature in the past.

Despite the implementation of increased security measures, further terrorist acts, both low-level and possibly more significant, are likely to continue to affect Kenya in the short- to medium-term.

Possible terrorist targets include state and security forces and facilities, tourists and tourist areas, public transport services, Western businesses and hotels, as well as diplomatic offices.

Foreigners still face an increased risk, as they may be viewed as high-value targets by militant groups.

Travellers to Kenya are advised by RPS to raise their security awareness and report all suspicious people, packages and/or vehicles to the local authorities.

Anyone in the Diani Beach should avoid the area of the bar today, as police investigations may still be underway.

Please contact RPS for any travel advice or assistance in travel planning to Kenya [email protected]

Photo: Alamy and BBC

Thanks to Red24 for information provided