A dozen threats, ranging from terror plots to lethal backstreet alcohol, are on the radar of Kenya's security agencies as the country heads into the high-stakes Christmas and New Year holidays.

With millions of Kenyans travelling and gathering for celebrations, the government has activated a nationwide multi-agency security plan to counter these risks, emphasizing that both citizens and security forces must play a part in ensuring a peaceful festive season.

A Nation on Guard

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has assured the public that while the country remains stable, past trends show a potential for increased crime during this period. To counter this, a National Multi-Agency Command Centre is now active, coordinating the Kenya Defence Forces, National Police Service, and National Intelligence Service to share intelligence and mount rapid responses. "We will be on top of security needs and will heighten our intelligence gathering, evaluate information into actionable measures, and ensure a rapid response," noted Deputy Inspector-General of Police Eliud Lagat.

The government's watchlist is extensive and points to the complex safety challenges facing families. Key threats include:

• Terrorism, with agencies intensifying surveillance on critical infrastructure and large public gatherings.
• The sale of poisonous, illicit liquor, which poses a direct threat to life.
• Transport-related dangers, including carjackings and road accidents.
• Robberies, muggings, and theft of property like livestock and vehicles.
• Crimes against children and social ills such as rape and defilement.

The Twin Threats: Terror and Killer Brews

The threat of terrorism remains a primary concern. Security committees at regional and county levels have been ordered to reinforce counter-terrorism preparedness. This involves heightened security at airports, border crossings, shopping malls, and places of worship.

Simultaneously, a fierce crackdown on illicit alcohol is underway, led by the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA). Recent raids have uncovered thousands of bottles of dangerous spirits, some smuggled into the country and sold for as little as KES 100. Health experts warn these unregulated drinks often contain methanol, a toxic substance that can cause blindness, organ failure, and death, sometimes hours after consumption.

The government's response is not just about enforcement but also a plea for public cooperation. "Public safety is a shared responsibility," Murkomen's office stated, urging citizens to report suspicious activity to toll-free hotlines 999, 911, or 112. As families come together, the underlying message from security chiefs is one of vigilance: the price of a peaceful holiday is eternal watchfulness.