Aon WorldAware issues security alert as Kenya Anti-Terrorism Rallies set to take place this week

Aon South Africa has today issued security warnings to its clients via its WorldAware Operations Centre following the announcement by civic leaders from Kenya’s North Eastern province to hold a series of rallies that will take place to combat a growing presence of radicalisation in the country.

Politicians, religious leaders and locals who have grown tired with terrorism in Kenya will begin their anti-terrorism campaign in Garissa – home to last week’s massacre where 147 people were killed at the hands of al Shabaab members. The rallies will carry through the weekend where gatherers will meet in Wajir county on Saturday and Mandera on Sunday.

Leaders have turned their attention to the youth who are becoming radicalised at an alarming rate. Rally organisers met on Monday to discuss ways to deafen militancy influence on the young community. They also met on previous occasions to develop initiatives that will help law officials identify and prosecute those responsible for the Garissa University attack. There is a reportedly high number of missing children in the region and officials believe they may have been recruited by al Shabaab either by volunteerism or coercion. Many parents have not reported their missing children for fear of becoming victimised by terrorists.

Simon Rutte, Senior Analyst: Crisis Management at Aon South Africa advises: “Travelers should be especially cautious leading up to the peace rallies as militant members may see the event as an opportunity for maximum exposure considering many people are expected to participate. Travelers to Kenya should not venture outside of highly secured areas. The WorldAware Operations Centre advises risk managers to avoid any unnecessary travel until the security situation stabilizes. Terrorists have shown they are willing and able to attack Western targets, and will spare no one whom they feel is a threat to their belief system.”

Aon’s WorldAware Operations Centre in Johannesburg supports its principle WorldAware Operations Centre in Chicago. The aim is to supply Aon WorldAware clients with more regional specific information around Sub-Saharan African countries in addition to conducting risk assessments and travel risk related research and analysis.