Kenya police chief warns residents to be vigilant

This Saturday, Sept. 21, 2013 file photo, armed special forces aim their weapons at the Westgate Mall in Nairobi, Kenya.

Kenya’s police chief is asking residents to be “extra vigilant” of attacks in the week following Sunday’s anniversary of the Westgate Mall attack.

David Kimaiyo said on Saturday police have doubled patrols across the country and asked entertainment facilities to continuously review and update security arrangements.

Al-Shabab militants from Somalia claimed responsibility for the Sept. 21 Westgate Mall attack that left 67 people dead.

One person died and 13 others wounded on Thursday in separate gun and grenade attacks in the towns of Wajir and Garissa.

Thursday’s attacks are among a wave of violence in Kenya blamed on al-Shabab. The gun and grenade attacks started in October 2011 when Kenya sent its troops to Somalia to fight the militants. Al-Shabab has vowed retribution for Kenyan troop presence in Somalia.