Shabaab threatens to execute Kenyan hostages

By Nairobi Digest reporter

Somalia Islamist group, the al Shabaab, has given the government until Valentine’s Day to release all terrorism prisoners or they will execute all Kenyan hostages in Somalia.

Through their Twitter handle, the Al-Qaeda-linked group demanded the immediate release of all Muslim prisoners in Kenya and those Muslims extradited to the neighbouring Uganda to face charges of terrorism.

“Following the expiration of this period, all the kuffar (non-Muslim) Kenyan prisoners who appeared in the recent video will be executed,” the Shabaab tweeted.

They also released a video, The Final Message, featuring two men and a photograph of four other men alleged to be Kenyans.

Kenya has continued to experience terror attacks after the Kenya Defense Force (KDF) incursion in Somalia to wipe out the militia group.

The attacks, most of which explosive devices are used to bomb places of worship and crowded bus stops, have resulted to panic and insecurity in the country as the government continues to assure Kenyans of their security.

Businesses in Eastleigh, one of the busiest Nairobi suburbs and with many enterprises operating 24 hours, have crippled with both customers and entrepreneurs fearing for their lives.

First published in January 2013.