2011–2014 terrorist attacks in Kenya

From late 2011 to 2014, Kenya experienced an upsurge in violent terrorist attacks. Kenyan government officials asserted that many of the murders and blasts were carried out by al-Shabaab in retaliation for Operation Linda Nchi, a coordinated military mission between the Somalian military and Kenyan military that began in October 2011, when troops from Kenya crossed the border into the conflict zones of southern Somalia. According to Kenyan security experts, the bulk of the attacks were increasingly carried out by radicalized Kenyan youth who were hired for the purpose. Kenya security officials also indicated that they were part of death squads, which carried out many of the killings under the orders of a government security council. By mid-2014, the cumulative attacks began affecting Kenya's tourism industry, as Western nations issued travel warnings to their citizens.{{cite news|last1=Macharia|first1=James|title=Bombings threaten Kenya growth goals, open new strains with wary West|url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-kenya-security-tourism-idUKKBN0EC1D720140601|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160203130033/http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-kenya-security-tourism-idUKKBN0EC1D720140601|url-status=dead|archive-date=3 February 2016|access-date=1 June 2014|work=Reuters|date=1 June 2014}}

Background

Since the Operation Linda Nchi began, Al-Shabaab vowed retaliation against the Kenyan authorities. At the militant group's urging, a significant and increasing number of terrorist attacks in Kenya have since been carried out by local Kenyans, many of whom are recent converts to Islam.[http://www.newsomali.com/2011/10/29/7571/ Kenya: A new breed of terrorist is born] {{dead link|date=June 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} Estimates in 2014 placed the figure of Kenyan fighters at around 25% of Al-Shabaab's total forces.{{cite news|title=Funding jihad: Al-Shabab cash lures in young Kenyans|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-30419987?print=true|access-date=18 January 2015|agency=BBC|date=11 December 2014}} Referred to as the "Kenyan Mujahideen" by Al-Shabaab's core members,{{cite news|title=Special Report: In Africa, a militant group's growing appeal|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-shabaab-east-africa-idUSBRE84T0NI20120530|newspaper=Reuters|date=30 May 2012}} the converts are typically young and overzealous, poverty making them easier targets for the outfit's recruitment activities. Because the Kenyan insurgents have a different profile from the Somali and Arab militants that allows them to blend in with the general population of Kenya, they are also often harder to track. Reports suggest that Al-Shabaab is attempting to build an even more multi-ethnic generation of fighters in the larger region. One such recent convert who helped carry out the Kampala bombings but now cooperates with the Kenyan police believes that in doing so, the group is essentially trying to use local Kenyans to do its "dirty work" for it while its core members escape unscathed. According to diplomats, Muslim areas in coastal Kenya and Tanzania, such as Mombasa and Zanzibar, are also especially vulnerable for recruitment.

In December 2014, Kenyan Anti-Terrorism Police Unit officers confessed to Al-Jazeera that they were responsible for almost 500 of the extrajudicial killings. The murders reportedly totaled several hundred homicides every year. They included the assassination of Abubaker Shariff Ahmed "Makaburi", an Al-Shabaab associate from Kenya, who was among 21 Muslim radicals allegedly murdered by the Kenyan police since 2012. According to the agents, they resorted to killing after the Kenyan police could not successfully prosecute terror suspects. In doing so, the officers indicated that they were acting on the direct orders of Kenya's National Security Council, which consisted of the Kenyan President, Deputy President, Chief of the Defence Forces, Inspector General of Police, National Security Intelligence Service Director, Cabinet Secretary of Interior, and Principal Secretary of Interior. Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta and the National Security Council of Kenya members denied operating an extrajudicial assassination program. Additionally, the officers suggested that Western security agencies provided intelligence for the program, including the whereabouts and activities of government targets. They asserted that Britain supplied further logistics in the form of equipment and training. One Kenyan officer within the council's General Service Unit also indicated that Israeli instructors taught them how to kill. The head of the International Bar Association, Mark Ellis, cautioned that any such involvement by foreign nations would constitute a breach of international law. The United Kingdom and Israel denied participation in the Kenyan National Security Council's reported death squads, with the UK Foreign Office indicating that it had approached the Kenyan authorities over the charges.{{cite news|title=Kenyan counter-terrorism police confess to extra judicial killings|url=http://www.modernghana.com/news/585087/1/kenyan-counter-terrorism-police.html|access-date=18 January 2015|agency=Al Jazeera Africa|date=7 December 2014}}

By May 2014, the United States, United Kingdom, France and Australia began issuing travel warnings to their citizens in Kenya. This had an immediate impact on Kenya's tourism industry, as European visitors left the country and hotel establishments were consequently forced to lay off staff. The U.S. also reduced its staff levels at its Nairobi embassy.{{cite news|title=US to cut Kenya embassy staff as threat of 'sophisticated' attacks grows|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/may/17/kenya-nairobi-bomb-us-embassy-security|access-date=14 June 2014|agency=AFP|work=The Guardian|date=17 May 2014}} In June 2014, the U.K. likewise shut down its Honorary Consulate in Mombasa over security concerns.{{cite news|title=UK closes Mombasa Consulate over security fears|url=http://www.capitalfm.co.ke/news/2014/06/uk-closes-mombasa-consulate-over-security-fears/|access-date=14 June 2014|agency=Capital News|date=13 June 2014}}

Timeline

=2011=

The first attack by al-Shabaab was on a blue-collar bar known as Mwaura's in downtown Mfangano Street in Nairobi{{cite news|title=Two grenade blasts rattle Nairobi; 1 dead|url=https://www.usatoday.com/news/world/story/2011-10-24/kenya-grenade-attack/50898570/1|agency=Associated Press|access-date=29 May 2012|work=USA Today|date=24 October 2011}} on Monday, 24 October 2011, at around 1:15 am.{{cite news|author=Jason Strazius |author2=Tom Odula |others=Associated Press|title=2 blasts in Nairobi amid fears of terrorist reprisal|url=http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2011/10/24/MNO31LLM0D.DTL|publisher=2012 Hearst Communications Inc.|access-date=29 May 2012|date=25 October 2011}} The hurled grenade left one person dead and wounded more than 20. Police said that the weapon used was a Russian-made F1 grenade.{{cite news|title=Two grenade blasts rattle Nairobi; 1 dead|url=https://www.usatoday.com/news/world/story/2011-10-24/kenya-grenade-attack/50898570/1|publisher=he Associated Press.|access-date=29 May 2012|date=24 October 2011}}

A second blast occurred later the same day, when a grenade was tossed out of a moving vehicle into the Machakos bus terminus.{{cite news|last=David|first=Clarke|title=A grenade attack at a bus station in central Nairobi killed five people and wounded 69, the Kenya Red Cross said on Sunday.|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-kenya-blast-idUSBRE82A03W20120311|publisher=Reuters|access-date=29 May 2012|date=11 March 2012}} 59 men and ten women were subsequently hospitalised, of which two were in intensive care and five people were confirmed dead.

The attacks came only two days after the United States warned of "imminent" terror attacks. The US warning had implied that al-Shabaab would carry out reprisals in response to Kenyan troops' incursion into Somalia in mid-October.{{cite news|title=Deadly grenade blasts rattle Nairobi|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/deadly-grenade-blasts-rattle-nairobi-1.1056169|agency=Associated Press|access-date=29 May 2012|date=24 October 2011|work=CBC News}} Elgiva Bwire Oliacha, a recent Kenyan Muslim convert, was arrested in connection with the two blasts and was sentenced to life in prison after having pleaded guilty to all charges.{{cite news|last=Tom|first=Odula|title=Kenya grenade suspect: I'm an al-Shabab member|url=https://news.yahoo.com/kenya-grenade-suspect-im-al-shabab-member-132633695.html|agency=Associated Press|access-date=29 May 2012|date=26 October 2011}}{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-15494034 |title=Kenyans in first al-Shabab battle in Somalia |publisher=BBC |date=28 October 2011 |access-date=29 October 2011}}{{cite news|title=Kenyan Sentenced to Life in Prison for Grenade Attacks|url=https://www.voanews.com/a/kenyan-sentenced-to-life-in-prison-for-grenade-attacks-132776978/147327.html|access-date=30 October 2011|newspaper=VOA News|date=28 October 2011}}

Al-Shabaab was suspected of carrying out a few more attacks in October as well. In November 2011, Al-Shabaab attacked several other locations including the East African Pentecostal Church, a military convoy, and a Holiday Inn hotel. The militant group is suspected of carrying out nine attacks in Kenya in December 2011; some of the attacks resulted in injuries and casualties while some resulted in no injuries.{{cite web| author=Bosire Boniface | date=30 August 2012 | title=Timeline: grenade and landmine attacks in Kenya | url=http://sabahionline.com/en_GB/articles/hoa/articles/features/2012/08/30/feature-01 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140730042913/http://sabahionline.com/en_GB/articles/hoa/articles/features/2012/08/30/feature-01 | archive-date=2014-07-30}}

=2012=

==January – June==

Militants were responsible for several attacks over the first few months of 2012. In January, there were three reported attacks, including the killing of the chairperson of the Community Peace and Security Team in Hagadera camp as well as several police officers. It was also reported that Kenyan police seized explosive equipment in an Ifo camp in the Dadaab complex, arresting nine suspects. In February, Al-Shabaab claimed responsibility for an attack that resulted in the death of a police officer and a civilian while injuring two other civilians. On 10 March 2012, six were killed and over sixty were injured after four grenades were thrown into a Machakos bus station in Nairobi.{{cite web |url=http://sabahionline.com/en_GB/articles/hoa/articles/features/2012/03/12/feature-01 |title=Police arrest 4 suspects in connection with Nairobi bus station blast |first=Julius |last=Mokaya |date=12 March 2012 |access-date=19 May 2014 |newspaper=Sabahi Online}}

On Sunday, 29 April 2012, around 8:50am, an attack took place at God's House of Miracles Church at Ngara Estate in Nairobi. As reported by one of the dailies, an attacker, who goes by the name Amar, entered the church and left.{{cite news|last=Ndonga|first=Simon|title=Kenya: Church Grenade Attacker 'A Known Terrorist'|url=http://allafrica.com/stories/201205070024.html|access-date=7 August 2012|newspaper=AllAfrica|date=4 May 2012}} He later came back and took a seat in the back, hurling the grenade at worshipers while they had been called by the pastor to the pulpit. The experts said that the grenade used had been made in China.{{cite web|last=CYRUS|first=OMBATI|title=Police link Al Shabaab to Ngara church attack|url=http://www.standardmedia.co.ke/?articleID=2000057613&story_title=Police%20link%20Al%20Shabaab%20to%20Ngara%20church%20attack|publisher=Standard Group Limited|access-date=29 May 2012|date=29 May 2012}}

One person died and 11 people were admitted at Kenyatta National Hospital.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-17885476 |title=BBC News. Nairobi church struck in grenade attack |publisher=Bbc.co.uk |date=29 April 2012}}

On Tuesday, 15 May, three hand grenades were hurled at the Bella Vista nightclub in Mombasa, Kenya, killing one and leaving five others injured. The attacker also fired indiscriminately after he was denied entry into the Bella Vista club.{{cite news|title=GRENADE ATTACK KILLS ONE IN MOMBASA NIGHT CLUB|url=http://www.the-star.co.ke/classicnews/75966-grenade-attack-kills-one-in-mombasa-night-club|access-date=31 May 2012|newspaper=The Star|date=16 May 2012|archive-date=11 September 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120911172215/http://www.the-star.co.ke/classicnews/75966-grenade-attack-kills-one-in-mombasa-night-club|url-status=dead}} A woman died as a result of a gunshot to the chest the two guards were injured.{{cite web|title=Grenade attack leaves one dead in Mombasa|url=http://www.euronews.com/2012/05/16/grenade-attack-leaves-one-dead-in-mombasa/|publisher=euronews|access-date=31 May 2012|date=16 May 2012|archive-date=19 May 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120519030340/http://www.euronews.com/2012/05/16/grenade-attack-leaves-one-dead-in-mombasa|url-status=dead}} A suspect who had sustained injuries in the attack was arrested in connection to the assault.{{cite web|last=B Kunto|first=Wibisono|title=Kenyan police arrest suspect in Mombasa grenade attack|url=http://www.antaranews.com/en/news/82172/kenyan-police-arrest-suspect-in-mombasa-grenade-attack|publisher=Antaranews.com|access-date=31 May 2012|date=17 May 2012}} A bus ticket to Nairobi was recovered from the suspect and a magazine loaded with eight rounds of ammunition.{{cite news|title=Kenya: Man arrested over deadly attack on Mombasa club|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-18081566|work=BBC News|access-date=31 May 2012|date=16 May 2012}} Police arrested a suspect Mr. Thabit Jamaldin Yahya. He is still in remand.{{cite news| author=Willis Oketch | publisher=Standard Media | title=Grenade attack suspect charged with murder | url=http://www.standardmedia.co.ke/?articleID=2000062079&story_title=Grenade-attack-suspect-charged-with-murder}}

On Monday, 28 May, a blast went off from inside the Sasa Boutique located within Assanand's House on Nairobi's Moi Avenue. 27 people were injured in the blast, and it was reported that four were in critical condition. Police Commissioner Mathew Iteere said that the explosion was the result of either a grenade or a bomb.{{cite web|url=http://www.standardmedia.co.ke/?articleID=2000058933&story_title=Blast-rocks-Kenyan-Capital---Nairobi |title=Blast rocks Kenyan Capital – Nairobi |publisher=Standardmedia.co.ke |date=28 May 2012}} Over the course of four other May attacks, one police officer was killed and numerous others were injured.

On Sunday, 24 June at around 10 pm EAT, another grenade attack was reported at a Jericho Beer Garden in Mishomoroni, Kisauni Constituency in Mombasa, Kenya.{{cite web |url=http://www.wral.com/news/national_world/world/image/11245104/ |title=Kenya Terror :: WRAL.com |work=wral.com |year=2012 |access-date=9 July 2012 }}{{Dead link|date=April 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} The bar was packed with patrons who had gathered to watch the UEFA European Championships 2012 football match between England and Italy. The grenade killed one person on the spot while two more died due to injuries while they were receiving treatment at the Coast general hospital. 30 more were injured, including a suspect who was alleged to be part of the attackers, a 9-year-old boy.{{cite web |url= http://standardmedia.co.ke/?articleID=2000060541&story_title=Three-killed,-30-hospitalised-in-Mombasa-blast |title=Standard Digital : Kenya : Three killed, 30 hospitalized in Mombasa blast |author1=David Ochami |author2=Philip Mwakio|work=standardmedia.co.ke |date=25 June 2012 |access-date=9 July 2012}}

This attack happened on the same day the Kenyan Navy had taken away two explosive devices that had been found floating in the Indian Ocean. The US government (through its embassy in Kenya) had issued a warning to its citizens to leave the coastal city of Mombasa due to a possible imminent attack. Athman Salim, a 23-year-old Kenyan day labourer from the Kilifi District was the main suspect of the attack. Although a Muslim, Athman denied any involvement with extremist groups or having ever journeyed to Somalia. He claimed that he had visited the pub to listen some local music, and indicated that he had never worked outside the city of Mombasa.{{cite web | url=http://standardmedia.co.ke/?articleID=2000060610&story_title=Police-guarding-key-blast-suspect-in-hospital | title=Police guarding key blast suspect in hospital | publisher=Standard Group | date=25 June 2012 | access-date=9 July 2012 |author1=Linah Benyawa |author2=David Ochami}}{{cite web |url=http://www.nation.co.ke/News/Court+releases+Mishomoroni+terror+suspect/-/1056/1449192/-/ia9j16z/-/index.html |title=Court releases Mishomoroni terror suspect |author= Philip Muyanga |work=nation.co.ke |year=2012 |access-date=9 July 2012}} He was released on 9 July after spending 10 days in Nyali police station.

==July – December==

On 1 July at around 10:15 am EAT, masked gunmen attacked two churches (the Central Catholic Cathedral and AIC churches) simultaneously in Garissa, located approximately 140 kilometres from the Somali border. The assailants killed seventeen people and left fifty injured.{{cite web|title=17 dead, 50 injured in twin Garissa church attacks|url=http://www.nation.co.ke/News/17+dead+50+injured+in+twin+Garissa+church+attacks/-/1056/1441242/-/139fewwz/-/index.html|access-date=1 July 2012|author=NATION TEAM|date=1 July 2012}} The churches are 3 kilometres apart{{cite web |url= http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2012/07/20127182456433169.html |title=Kenya grenade attacks hit church services |publisher=Al Jazeera |year=2012 |access-date=1 July 2012}} and the dead included two police officers, four men, nine women and two children. The North Eastern Police Provincial Officer (PPO) Philip Ndolo reported that the gunmen attacked the two policemen first and took their firearms before they proceeded to attack the churches. The attackers used pistols to shoot the policemen at point blank range and then snatched their G3 rifles which were later used to shoot at the AIC church worshipers indiscriminately. No shooting was reported at the Catholic's Central Cathedral but a hand grenade was set off,{{cite web |url=http://www.kenyaredcross.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=342&Itemid=124 |title=17 Lives Lost in Grenade Attack |publisher=Kenya Red Cross |year=2012 |access-date=2 July 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120831122117/http://www.kenyaredcross.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=342&Itemid=124 |archive-date=31 August 2012 |url-status=dead }}{{cite news |url= https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-18662975 |title=BBC News – Kenya church attacks 'kill 15' in Garissa |publisher=BBC |access-date=1 July 2012 |date=1 July 2012}} resulting in less casualties than the AIC attack. The Supreme Muslim Council (SUPKEM) in Kenya warned of a misinterpretation of this attack as a religious war against the Christians.{{cite web |url= http://www.nation.co.ke/News/Garissa+attacks+not+a+religious+war+say+Muslims/-/1056/1441458/-/t10a0g/-/index.html |title=Garissa attacks not a religious war, say Muslims |work=Daily Nation |year=2012 |access-date=1 July 2012}} A joint effort by the Kenya Police, Administration Police, National Security Intelligence Service and the paramilitary General Service Unit saw the arrest of 83 suspects in connection with the attack during a massive security swoop after the attack.{{cite web |url= http://www.nation.co.ke/News/Police+arrest+83+over+Garissa+church+attacks/-/1056/1445186/-/x45ft8/-/index.html |title=Police arrest 83 over Garissa church attacks |first=Rashid |last=Abdi |work=Daily Nation |year=2012 |quote=Kenya Police, Administration Police, National Security Intelligence Service and the paramilitary General Service Unit |access-date=5 July 2012}}

Four people were reported injured on 18 July when two hand grenades went off at a barbershop in Wajir. In addition, three police officers were injured on 25 July when their patrol hit a landmine.

Police also arrested a man who was carrying two grenades at the Nakuru Agricultural Show shortly before President Mwai Kibaki arrived to deliver a speech. It was also reported that they arrested two men with four hand grenades in Kitale as they were boarding a Nairobi-bound bus; a third man escaped capture.

On the evening of 3 August, one person was killed and six more were left injured at the Eastleigh neighbourhood near the Kenya Airforce headquarters in Nairobi.{{cite news |url= https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/kenya/9450638/At-least-one-killed-in-Nairobi-explosion.html |title=At least one killed in Nairobi explosion – Telegraph |work=The Daily Telegraph |date=3 August 2012 |location=London |issn=0307-1235 |oclc=49632006 |quote=Eastleigh neighbourhood. |access-date=7 August 2012}} The attack came on the eve of a visit by Hillary Clinton, the United States secretary of state.{{cite web |url= http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2012/08/201283163245671167.html |title=Kenyan capital hit by grenade attack |date=3 August 2012 |publisher=Al Jazeera |access-date=7 August 2012}} The suicide bombing was inadvertently carried out by an innocent carrier of the detonated home-made device. The attackers have adopted a new way of executing their plans by giving unsuspecting citizens armed home-made explosives that they in turn detonate remotely at a safe distance.{{cite web |url= http://www.nation.co.ke/News/Police+warn+of+new+terror+tactics+/-/1056/1472924/-/g2326xz/-/index.html |title=Police warn of new terror tactics |first=Fred |last=Mukinda |date=6 August 2012 |work=Daily Nation |access-date=7 August 2012}} The attackers have been using ordinary home equipment like the transistor radios and gas cylinders in their new methods. This attack on 3 August blew the upper torso of the carrier of the transistor radio which contained the explosive. On 28 August, three Kenyan policeman are killed and over a dozen wounded in a grenade attack during riots in the port city of Mombasa over the killing of Islamist cleric Aboud Rogo Mohammed.

On 30 September, at around 10:30am, a 9-year-old boy was killed when a grenade was hurled towards Sunday school children at St Polycarp Anglican Church along Juja road in Nairobi.{{cite web |url=http://www.the-star.co.ke/national/national/96098-boy-killed-in-church-grenade-attack |title=The Star. Boy, 9, killed in church grenade attack |publisher=The-star.co.ke |date=30 September 2012 |access-date=2 October 2012 |archive-date=21 February 2013 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130221001105/http://www.the-star.co.ke/national/national/96098-boy-killed-in-church-grenade-attack |url-status=dead }} On 21 September, four police officers and three civilians were injured during a series of two explosions. The first explosion targeted a GSU lorry and the secondary explosion went off when officers rushed to the scene.{{cite web| author=Cyrus Ombati| publisher=Standard Media | title=Four GSU officers injured in Garissa explosion | url=http://www.standardmedia.co.ke/?articleID=2000066634&story_title=four-gsu-officers-injured-in-garissa-explosion | access-date=2012-09-26}}

There were several attacks on Administration Police officers in September. On 30 September, two police officers were shot dead from behind while patrolling along Ngamia road in Garissa.{{cite web|url=http://www.standardmedia.co.ke/?articleID=2000067357&story_title=Two-APs-shot-dead-in-Garissa |title=Cyrus Ombati. Standard Media |publisher=Standardmedia.co.ke |date=1 October 2012}} Additionally, on 15 September, two Administration Police officers were injured in an explosion when their vehicle hit a landmine.[http://www.standardmedia.co.ke/?articleID=2000066197 "Two officers injured in Mandera explosion"]. Standard Media. Retrieved 26 Sept.

On 27 October, CID officer Yussuf Yero was shot and killed in a Hagdera, Daadab mosque as he read the Koran.{{cite web |author=maalik_eng |url=http://shabelle.net/cid-officer-shot-dead-in-mosque/ |title=CID officer shot dead in Mosque |publisher=Shabelle.net |date=27 October 2012 |access-date=21 November 2012 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130222055311/http://shabelle.net/cid-officer-shot-dead-in-mosque/ |archive-date=22 February 2013 |url-status=usurped}}

On 20 November, Kenya Defence Forces were involved in an operation in Garissa, where KDF soldiers subsequently burned down the local market and shot at a crowd of protesters,{{cite news|last=Aynte|first=Abdi|title=How Shabaab is losing the battle, but maybe winning the war|url=http://africanarguments.org/2012/11/21/how-shabaab-is-losing-the-battle-but-maybe-winning-the-war-%E2%80%93-by-abdi-aynte/|access-date=21 November 2012|newspaper=African Arguments|date=21 November 2012}} killing a woman and injuring 10 people. Another 35 residents received treatment at the provincial hospital after being assaulted by the soldiers, including a chief and two pupils. A group of MPs led by Farah Maalim, accused Kenyan officers of fomenting violence, raping women and shooting at students, and threatened to take the matter to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), if the perpetrators are not brought to justice.{{cite news|title=Woman killed, 10 injured in Garissa swoop |url=http://www.the-star.co.ke/news/article-96560/woman-killed-10-injured-garissa-swoop |access-date=21 November 2012 |newspaper=The Star |date=21 November 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121128023359/http://www.the-star.co.ke/news/article-96560/woman-killed-10-injured-garissa-swoop |archive-date=28 November 2012}}{{cite news|last=Wafula|first=Caroline|title=MPs accuse State of using undue force|url=http://www.nation.co.ke/News/politics/MPs-accuse-State-of-using-undue-force/-/1064/1625062/-/uc0i5vz/-/index.html|access-date=21 November 2012|newspaper=Daily Nation|date=20 November 2012}} Maalim also suggested that the deployment of the soldiers was unconstitutional and had not received the requisite parliamentary approval, and that the ensuing rampage cost Garissa entrepreneurs over Sh1.5 billion to Sh2billion in missed revenue. Additionally, Sheikhs with the CPK threatened to sue the military commanders for crimes against humanity committed during the operation. CJPC Bishops also urged Kenyans to resist engaging in violence, and instead to report offences to the relevant authorities.

Additionally, several police officers were killed and injured as attacks escalated. It was reported that on 11 November at least 38 police officers are killed by cattle rustlers in the northern part of the country.{{cite news|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2012/11/13/world/africa/kenya-ambush/index.html?hpt=hp_t3 |title=Police: 38 Kenyan officers killed in ambush involving cattle rustlers |publisher=CNN | date=14 November 2012}} On 1 November, a policeman was on shot dead and another seriously injured on by assailants in Garissa town. The officers were on patrol when they were ambushed by four men, one of whom was a teenager.{{cite web |url=http://www.the-star.co.ke/news/article-93703/teenager-gang-killed-garissa-policeman-patrol |title=Teenager in gang that killed Garissa policeman on patrol |work=The Star |date=1 November 2012 |access-date=21 November 2012 |archive-date=5 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121105002134/http://www.the-star.co.ke/news/article-93703/teenager-gang-killed-garissa-policeman-patrol |url-status=dead }} On 4 November, a policeman has been killed and 10 people were injured in a grenade attack on a church in Kenya.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-20196493 |title=Kenya policeman killed, 11 injured in church attack |publisher=BBC |date=4 November 2012}}

On Sunday, 18 November, ten people were killed and 25 seriously injured when an explosive went off on a mass transit mini-bus (matatu) in Eastleigh. The explosion is believed to be an improvised explosive device or bomb of some sort.{{cite web|url=http://www.businessdailyafrica.com/6-dead-in-Eastleigh-matatu-explosion/-/539546/1624650/-/14asbjk/-/index.html |title=Another black Sunday after explosion inside city matatu claims seven lives |publisher=businessdailyafrica.com |date=19 November 2012}} Looting and destruction of Somali-owned homes and shops by angry mobs of young Kenyans ensues.{{cite news|last=Gogoneni|first=Rupo|title=Kenyans, Somalis clash in Nairobi|url=http://www.english.rfi.fr/africa/20121121-somalis-kenyans-clash-nairobi|access-date=21 November 2012|publisher=Radio France Internationale|date=21 November 2012}} Somalis defend their property, and interpret the bus explosion as a pretext for non-Somalis to steal from their community. Relative calm reportedly returns by mid-afternoon.{{cite news|last=Vincenot |first=Aymeric |title=Pitched battles between 'Kenyans' and Somalis in Nairobi |url=http://www.namibian.com.na/news/africa/full-story/archive/2012/november/article/pitched-battles-between-kenyans-and-somalis-in-nairobi/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130221115819/http://www.namibian.com.na/news/africa/full-story/archive/2012/november/article/pitched-battles-between-kenyans-and-somalis-in-nairobi/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=21 February 2013 |access-date=21 November 2012 |agency=Agence France-Presse |date=21 November 2012 }}

On Wednesday, 5 December, around 7pm, an explosion went off in the Joska area of Eastleigh, Nairobi, killing one person and wounding six others.{{cite web|url=http://www.standardmedia.co.ke/?articleID=2000072236&story_title=Kenya--Eastleigh-blast-victim-dies |title=Eastleigh blast victim dies |publisher=Standardmedia.co.ke |date=6 December 2012}}

The explosion that occurred during rush hour traffic was caused by a roadside bomb, and was not far from the site of a blast a few weeks earlier.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-20617516 |title=Kenya blast in Somali area of Nairobi, Eastleigh |publisher=BBC |date=6 December 2012}}

On Friday, 7 December, around 7:30pm, five people were killed and eight others injured in an explosion near a mosque in the Eastleigh area of Nairobi. The wounded included the area member of parliament Abdi Yusuf Hassan.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-20645415 |title=Nairobi's Somali area Eastleigh hit by fatal blast |publisher=BBC |date=8 December 2012}} A second attack was carried out at the same mosque on 16 December, seriously injuring one person.{{cite web|url=http://www.standardmedia.co.ke/?articleID=2000073065&story_title=Kenya-At-least-one-injured-in-Eastleigh-blast |title=At least one injured in Eastleigh blast |publisher=Standardmedia.co.ke |date=17 December 2012}}

On 19 December, two people were injured after two blasts went off outside Al Amin mosque in Eastleigh area of Nairobi. The blasts took place during rush hour{{cite web|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2012/12/20121219172758769966.html |title=Two injured in Kenya explosions – Africa |publisher=Al Jazeera }} Suspected Al-shabab militants shot three people dead and injured one person on Kenyatta Street in Garissa on 20 December at 7 pm. The dead included a banker and a civil servant.{{cite web|url=http://www.nation.co.ke/News/Panic-as-al-Shabaab-turn-Garissa-into-killing-field/-/1056/1649462/-/jhb21sz/-/index.html |title=Panic as al-Shabaab turn Garissa into killing field – News |work=Daily Nation |date=20 December 2012}} On 27 December, at 11 pm a police officer was shot dead while his colleague escaped unharmed after being attacked by suspected Islamists{{cite web|url=http://www.capitalfm.co.ke/news/2012/12/gunmen-kill-kenyan-policeman-in-ambush-2/ |title=Gunmen kill Kenyan policeman in ambush |publisher=Capitalfm.co.ke |date=28 December 2012}} in Mandera town. The assailants also stole a G3 rifle from the two constables.{{cite web|url=http://www.nation.co.ke/News/-/1056/1652946/-/x8fhjbz/-/index.html |title=Police officer killed in Mandera attack – News |work=Daily Nation |date=3 July 2020 }}

=2013=

==January – June==

On 4 January, at 7 pm, two people were killed and seven wounded in a grenade attack at Dagahale area in Garissa. The grenade was hurled from a saloon car at a tent where people were chewing khat.{{cite web|url=http://www.standardmedia.co.ke/?articleID=2000074276&story_title=Kenya-Two-killed-in-Garissa-grenade-attack |title=Standard Digital News – Kenya : Two killed in Garissa grenade attack |publisher=Standardmedia.co.ke |date=5 January 2013}}

A grenade was thrown into a police vehicle as it drove past a crowd along Ngamia road near the local District Officer's (DO) office on 7 January 2013. Four people including three police officers were seriously wounded in a grenade attack on a police car in Garissa town.{{cite web|url=http://www.standardmedia.co.ke/?articleID=2000074505&story_title=Kenya-Police-officers,-civilian-hurt-in-Garissa-attack |title=Standard Digital News – Kenya : Police officers, civilian hurt in Garissa attack |publisher=Standardmedia.co.ke |date=8 January 2013}} On 8 January, one of the wounded, a 22-year-old man, succumbed to injuries. The number of wounded admitted in hospital was confirmed as eight people including four police officers.{{cite web|url=http://www.standardmedia.co.ke/?articleID=2000074554&story_title=Kenya-One-dies-in-Garissa-grenade-attack |title=Standard Digital News – Kenya : One dies in Garissa grenade attack |publisher=Standardmedia.co.ke |date=8 January 2013}}

On the evening of 9 January, two grenades were thrown into the World Food Programme (WFP) compound in Mandera Town. There were no injuries reported. The blast occurred as a group of worshipers was leaving a nearby mosque after their prayers.{{cite web|url=http://www.standardmedia.co.ke/?articleID=2000074682&story_title=Kenya-Two-grenades-thrown-into-WFP-premises |title=Standard Digital News – Kenya : Two grenades thrown into WFP premises |publisher=Standardmedia.co.ke |date=10 January 2013}}

On 16 January, suspected Islamic militants shot dead five people and injured three others at a restaurant in the eastern city of Garissa. Authorities said they believed the gunmen belonged to the Al-Shabaab group, as the victims included a senior prison warden, fitting a pattern of attacks against security forces.{{cite web|author=Miami Herald|url= http://www.miamiherald.com/2013/01/16/3185638/kenya-police-suspected-militants.html|title=Kenya police: Suspected militants kill 5 people |website= Miami Herald|date=15 January 2013}}

Two men believed to be suicide bombers of Somali origin died on the morning of 17 January 2013 after improvised explosive devices (IEDs) had gone off in Hagdera refugee camp in Dadaab.{{cite news|title=Terror suspects die after bombs explode on them|url=http://www.standardmedia.co.ke/index.php?articleID=2000075252&story_title=Kenya-Terror-suspects-die-after-bombs-explode-on-them|access-date=17 January 2013|newspaper=The Standard|date=17 January 2013}}

On 31 January, a blast injured three Kenyan policemen during the evening in the Dagahalley area of the northern town of Dadaab. The explosion had targeted a police vehicle.{{cite news|title=Policemen injured in Dadaab blast|url=http://www.standardmedia.co.ke/?articleID=2000076332&story_title=Kenya-Policemen-injured-in-Dadaab-blast|access-date=2 February 2013|newspaper=The Standard|date=1 February 2013}} Police had earlier in the evening recovered two hand grenades.{{cite news|title=KDF soldier killed in a blast|url=http://www.standardmedia.co.ke/?articleID=2000076477&story_title=Kenya---Suicide-bomber-killed-in-a-blast|access-date=2 February 2013|newspaper=The Standard|date=2 February 2013}}

On 2 February, a KDF soldier was killed in a blast in Wajir after a terrorist who appeared to know him hurled a grenade at the man and his girlfriend.{{cite news|title=Gunmen shoot dead police officer|url=http://www.standardmedia.co.ke/?articleID=2000076619&story_title=Kenya-Kenya:%20Gunmen%20shoot%20dead%20police%20officer|access-date=5 February 2013|date=5 February 2013}} The officer was among several people on a break from the coordinated Linda Nchi operation in southern Somalia between the Somali military and Kenyan forces against the Al-Shabaab insurgents. Two other policemen were wounded in the explosion, while the woman had injuries to her legs.

On 5 February, an administration police sergeant was assassinated in Garissa. He had just arrived in the town from his habitual station in Dadaab when one of several gunmen shot him in the head. The assailants escaped the scene by foot, with police making no arrests.

On the evening of 18 April, four armed men walked into the Kwa Chege Hotel in Garissa and started shooting. At least six people were shot dead and ten others seriously wounded.{{cite web|url=http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/africa/2013-04/19/c_132321036.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140327210636/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/africa/2013-04/19/c_132321036.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=27 March 2014 |title=At least six killed, 10 injured in gun attack in northern Kenya: official – Xinhua | English.news.cn |publisher=News.xinhuanet.com |date=19 April 2013}}

On 9 June, nearly simultaneous evening attacks in Eastleigh (Nairobi) and Likoni (Mombasa) left at least 15 people injured.{{cite web |title=Sunday grenade attacks in Mombasa, Nairobi leave 15 injured |url=http://www.standardmedia.co.ke/?articleID=2000085594&story_title=grenade-attacks-in-mombasa-nairobi-leave-nine-injured |date=10 June 2013 |access-date=16 December 2013}}

== July—December ==

On 21 September 2013, armed gunmen attacked the Westgate Shopping Mall in Nairobi, killing at least 69 people and injuring more than 175. The President Uhuru Kenyatta reportedly lost "very close family members" in the attack. Hundreds of people were evacuated from the mall.{{cite web|title=Kenya mall attacked by gunmen; 67 reported dead|url=http://abclocal.go.com/wabc/story?section=news/national_world&id=9256715|publisher=WABC TV|access-date=21 September 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130924004038/http://abclocal.go.com/wabc/story?section=news%2Fnational_world&id=9256715|archive-date=24 September 2013|url-status=dead}} The attack was thought to be orchestrated by extremists against non-Muslim Kenyans and Westerners in the area.{{cite news|title=Americans among injured in deadly Kenya mall attack|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2013/09/21/witness-kenya-mall-attackers-target-non-muslims/2846319/|publisher=USA Today|access-date=21 September 2013|first1=Laura|last1=Petrecca|date=21 September 2013}}{{Cite web |url=http://mobile.nation.co.ke/News/THE-WESTGATE-TERROR-ATTACK/-/1950946/2002524/-/format/xhtml/-/4mv5qo/-/index.html |title=Live Updates: Westgate Mall Death Toll at 69, at Least 10 Attackers Involved |access-date=3 December 2014 |archive-date=22 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150122172730/http://mobile.nation.co.ke/News/THE-WESTGATE-TERROR-ATTACK/-/1950946/2002524/-/format/xhtml/-/4mv5qo/-/index.html |url-status=dead }}

On 13 December 2013, double blasts in the northeastern town of Wajir killed one individual and wounded at least three other people.{{cite news |url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2013/12/deadly-blast-shreds-bus-kenyan-capital-20131214145430705187.html |title=Deadly blast 'shreds' bus in Kenyan capital |date=14 December 2013 |access-date=16 December 2013}}

On 14 December 2013, a hand grenade was thrown onto a minibus in Eastleigh. The Saturday evening explosion killed at least 4 people and wounded 36 others. It was the fourth such attack to occur during the 50th anniversary week of Kenya's independence. 13 people died since 10 December 2013, with no group claiming responsibility for the assaults.

=2014=

On 14 March 2014, in the Kenyan city of Mombasa, two terrorists were arrested while driving a car carrying two improvised bombs.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-26624387|work=BBC News|date=14 March 2014|title=Kenya arrests two after bombs found in car}}

On 19 March 2014, Kenyan police unintentionally parked a car outside their office that was carrying a massive cache of terrorist explosives, including 130 pounds of plastic.{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/kenya/10709065/Kenyan-police-park-massive-car-bomb-outside-their-offices-after-missing-explosives-in-vehicle.html|work=The Telegraph|date=19 March 2014|title=Kenyan police park massive car bomb outside their offices after missing explosives in vehicle}}

On 31 March 2014, a pair of explosions killed six people in Eastleigh. Occurring along 11th street around 7:30pm, one of the blasts took place near a food kiosk; the other near a bus stop.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-26827636 |title=Six killed in Nairobi explosions in Kenya |date=31 March 2014 |access-date=31 March 2014}}{{cite news |url=http://www.nation.co.ke/news/Blast-kills-six-in-Eastleigh/-/1056/2264544/-/13h3miiz/-/index.html |title=Explosion kills six in Eastleigh |date=31 March 2014 |access-date=31 March 2014}}

On 1 April 2014, in the Eastleigh district of Nairobi, six people were killed and dozens more injured when terrorists exploded bombs at two separate locations about three hundred meters apart.{{cite news|url=http://nairobinews.nation.co.ke/6-killed-in-twin-terror-blasts-in-eastleigh/|publisher=Nairobi News|date=1 April 2014|access-date=4 May 2014|title=6 KILLED IN TWIN TERROR BLASTS IN EASTLEIGH|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140505123050/http://nairobinews.nation.co.ke/6-killed-in-twin-terror-blasts-in-eastleigh/|archive-date=5 May 2014|url-status=dead}}

On 9 April 2014, it was reported that twelve shops in the Nairobi city center were being investigated for funneling money to terrorists.{{cite news|url=http://nairobinews.nation.co.ke/12-shops-in-city-centre-funding-terrorists/|publisher=Nairobi News|date=9 April 2014|access-date=4 May 2014|title=12 SHOPS IN CITY CENTRE FUNDING TERRORISTS|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140505105513/http://nairobinews.nation.co.ke/12-shops-in-city-centre-funding-terrorists/|archive-date=5 May 2014|url-status=dead}}

On 23 April 2014, a car exploded at the Pangani police station in Nairobi, killing the four occupants: the driver, a passenger, and two police officers who had boarded the vehicle to guide it to the police station.{{cite news |url=http://www.nation.co.ke/news/Pangani-Police-Station-Explosion/-/1056/2291170/-/12l2ygvz/-/index.html |title=Car explodes, killing four in city |date=24 April 2014 |access-date=24 April 2014}} A second vehicle with explosives was subsequently found abandoned just blocks away.{{cite news |url=http://www.nation.co.ke/news/Vehicle-with-explosives-abandoned-in-Pangani/-/1056/2291524/-/wvj3faz/-/index.html|title=Vehicle with suspected explosives abandoned in Pangani |date=24 April 2014 |access-date=24 April 2014}}

On 3 May 2014, twin terrorist attacks in the port city of Mombasa killed three people.{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/kenya/10806810/Kenya-blasts-three-dead-after-twin-attacks-in-Mombasa.html|work=The Telegraph|date=3 May 2014|title=Kenya blasts: three dead after twin attacks in Mombasa}}

On 4 May 2014, on the Thika Highway in Nairobi, terrorists exploded homemade bombs on two commuter buses, nearly simultaneously and about a kilometer apart. According to the report, at least three people were killed and at least sixty-two others injured.{{cite web | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-27277811 | title=Kenya buses hit by deadly twin blasts in Nairobi | publisher=BBC | date=4 May 2014 | access-date=4 May 2014}}

On 16 May 2014, at Gikomba Market in Nairobi, twin explosions claimed the lives of more than ten people.{{cite web | url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-27443474 | title=Kenya's Nairobi hit by twin blasts in Gikomba Market | publisher=BBC | date=16 May 2014 | access-date=16 May 2014}}

On 23 May 2014, a grenade was thrown at a police vehicle carrying two suspects in the City of Mombasa. Two people were injured.

On 16 June 2014, at least 48 people were killed when suspected Shebab militants from Somalia stormed into a Kenyan coastal town and launched a major assault on a police station, hotels and government offices, officials said. Around 50 heavily armed gunmen drove into the town of Mpeketoni, near the coastal island and popular tourist resort of Lamu, late on Sunday. Witnesses said they first attacked a police station, before starting to randomly shoot at civilians, some of whom had been watching the World Cup in local bars and hotels.

In late 2014, two attacks believed to have been carried out by Al Shabaab killed 64 persons in Mandera County.

On 22 November 2014, gunmen attacked a bus traveling from Mandera to Nairobi, killing 28 persons, mostly teachers and government workers heading to Nairobi for the December holidays.{{cite web|title=At least 28 killed in Shabaab attack on Nairobi-bound bus in Mandera|url=http://www.nation.co.ke/counties/28-dead-suspected-Al-Shabaab-attack-in-Mandera/-/1107872/2531256/-/ljsywl/-/index.html|date=22 November 2014|access-date=24 December 2014|publisher=nation Media Group}}

On 2 December 2014, Al-Shabaab militants attacked and killed a further 36 quarry workers, many of whom were non-Muslims, near Mandera Town.{{cite web|title=Kenya bus attack: Al-Shabaab militants slaughter 28 non-Muslims who failed to recite Koran|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/africa/kenya-bus-attack-gunmen-kill-36-at-mandera-quarry-9896973.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/africa/kenya-bus-attack-gunmen-kill-36-at-mandera-quarry-9896973.html |archive-date=1 May 2022 |url-access=subscription|date=2 December 2014|access-date=24 December 2014| work=The Independent}}{{cbignore}}

Prosecution and arrests

Elgiva Bwire Oliacha, a recent Kenyan Muslim convert, was arrested in connection with the two October 2011 blasts and was sentenced to life in prison after having pleaded guilty to all charges. Going by the adopted name Mohamed Seif, Oliacha reportedly smiled at cameras, stated that he harboured no regrets, and indicated that he would not appeal his sentence.

On 20 September 2012, Abdimajid Yasin Mohamed, alias Hussein, was sentenced to 59 years in prison. He was charged alongside Abdi Adan alias Salman Abdi, who denies the allegations and whose case is still pending. Yasin was ordered to undergo psychiatric examination after he pleaded guilty upon arrest on 14 Sep, doctors found him fit to stand trial. The two suspects arrested in Eastleigh with bombs, grenades and a cache of weapons that included six suicide bombs, 12 grenades, four AK 47 rifles and 480 bullets recovered from them as police thwarted a major terror plot in Nairobi.{{cite news| author=Lucianne Limo | publisher=Standard Media | title=Al Shabaab member gets 59-year jail sentence | url=http://www.standardmedia.co.ke/?articleID=2000066561&story_title=Al-Shabaab-member-jailed-for-59-years}}

Police arrested a suspect, Thabit Jamaldin Yahya, in connection with an attack at Mombasa Bella Vista bar in May 2012. He is still in remand.

On 29 September 2012, police arrested over 60 people with possession of bomb making materials. The arrested were on board a bus from Garissa to Nairobi when police discovered the materials. They all disowned the luggage with material.{{cite web|url=http://www.nation.co.ke/News/60+bus+passengers+held+over+explosives/-/1056/1521238/-/5whicq/-/index.html |title=Fred Mukinda. Daily Nation. 60 bus passengers held over explosives |publisher=Nation.co.ke |date=29 September 2012}}