Kenya arrests suspected al Shabaab fighter, recovers weapons

Kenyan police have arrested a man suspected to be a member of the Somalia-based militant group Al‑Shabaab, in a significant counter-terror operation carried out in Mombasa. Law enforcement authorities say they recovered a substantial arsenal during the raid, including assault rifles, a hand grenade, ammunition, and other materials allegedly meant for planned attacks inside Kenya. Reuters+1
According to the Mombasa County Commissioner, Nelson Marwa, the operation disrupted what could have been a New Year’s Eve terror plot targeting the coastal city, where the militants reportedly planned to carry out attacks on crowded public areas, including beaches. Reuters During the early morning raid, police found a Colt M4 rifle, a G3 rifle, 345 bullets, a hand grenade, explosive detonator switches, as well as passports, driving licenses, and bank documents. Reuters Commissioner Marwa said the arrested suspect is providing vital intelligence that may lead to further arrests, and signalled that security agencies are on high alert for other operatives who may be planning attacks. Reuters
The government’s move comes amid growing concern over Al‑Shabaab’s ability to strike within Kenya, particularly as Nairobi continues to contribute troops to the African Union mission in Somalia. Reuters+1 Security analysts have welcomed the arrest, noting that the seizure of key operational documents and passports could help unravel militant networks operating inside Kenya. However, civil society and human rights groups have also cautioned that counter‑terror operations must be balanced with respect for due process, citing past allegations of extrajudicial detentions. Human Rights Watch
Looking ahead, Kenyan security forces say they will intensify surveillance and intelligence-led operations in coastal and border regions, aiming to dismantle militant cells before they can carry out attacks. At the same time, the administration has pledged enhanced cooperation with regional and international partners to prevent the financing and movement of extremists. The government hopes that such moves will not only neutralize immediate threats, but also weaken Al‑Shabaab’s long-term capacity inside Kenya.