Government freezes terror accounts

FILE PHOTO |  NATION MEDIA GROUP

In Summary

• Move affects accounts of 86 individuals and entities suspected to be financing terrorism.
• Government urges Kenyans to remain vigilant.

By ABIUD OCHIENG

The government has frozen the accounts of 86 individuals and entities suspected to be financing terrorism in the country.

Also affected are forex bureaus and Hawalas, which is an informal system of money transfer used commonly by the Somali community.

The government is concerned that the millions of shillings transacted daily, especially through the Hawalas, is the main source of funding for terrorism.

The Somali business community that heavily relies on Hawalas to trade have been urged to make use of mainstream banking.

The government is optimistic that crippling the financial arm of terror groups will greatly affect their operations.

The government has also urged Kenyans “to remain vigilant and play their part by reporting suspected terrorism activities in the country as a means of assisting the government to curb the vice”.

Speaking on Citizen TV on Tuesday, Mandera Governor Ali Roba said the northeastern leadership met for three days after the attack on Garissa University College and discussed on ways they could assist in fighting terrorism.

The governor added that the leadership acknowledges the effect frequent attacks in the area will have, adding that they have resolved to take charge of eliminating rogue elements with their communities.