US embassy cable - 05NAIROBI2166

S E C R E T NAIROBI 002166 
 
SIPDIS 
 
NOFORN 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/25/2015 
TAGS: ASEC, PTER, PREL, KE 
SUBJECT: JOINT US-UK DEMARCHE TO PRESS GOK FOR PROGRESS ON 
COUNTER TERRORISM 
 
REF: NAIROBI 2071 
 
Classified By: RSO Jeff Culver for Reasons 1.4 b and d. 
 
 1. (SBU)  Summary.  Provincial Administrator and National 
Security Minister Michuki committed to supporting the US-UK 
sponsored Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) initiative for 
Kenya in a May 20 meeting with the Ambassador and British 
High Commissioner Clay.  Michuki cited the need to make use 
of experienced and trained personnel and the JTTF's 
specialized way of working as essential components in the 
fight against terrorism.  The Ambassador reiterated the USG's 
commitment to help improve Kenya's counter terrorism capacity 
and stressed the importance of police and prosecutors working 
together to build prosecutable cases against terrorist 
suspects, despite the expected failure of the Kikambala 
trials (reftel).  High Commissioner Clay characterized the 
JTTF as the most promising structure for improving Kenya's 
counter terrorism efforts.  End Summary. 
 
2. (SBU)  Ambassador Bellamy and British High Commissioner 
Edward Clay jointly demarched GOK Minister for Provincial 
Administration and National Security John Michuki on May 20 
to press shared US-UK concerns regarding the GOK's counter 
terrorism effort and specifically to push for the formation 
of a JTTF in Kenya. The Ambassador was accompanied by RSO 
(notetaker).  Michuki was joined by his Senior Deputy 
Permanent Secretary, Mr. A.A. Musasia. 
 
3. (C) Noting his wish to see peace in Somalia, Michuki 
expressed concern about what he termed "Islamic-based 
non-governmental organizations" (NGOs) based in Kenya and 
operating in Somalia.  Michuki asserted that the NGOs that 
are helping the warlords need to cease operating in Kenya and 
be moved elsewhere.  The Ambassador pointed out that some 
NGOs are helping to bring warring parties together, but 
expressed concern that some might be aiding extremist groups 
like AIAI. 
 
4. (S/NF) Turning to the GOK's counter terrorism effort, the 
Ambassador expressed concern, based on recent intelligence, 
that the Al Qaida cell in the Horn of Africa may be 
refocusing on targets in Kenya, raising the possibility of a 
terrorist attack.  The Ambassador pointed to the ongoing 
Kikambala trials (reftel) as both a source of immediate 
concern (if the suspects are released) and long-term problems 
with Kenya's counter terrorism effectiveness.  Specifically, 
the Ambassador singled out as problematic the lack of 
police-prosecutor coordination and the lack of adequate laws 
and legal tools for preventing and prosecuting terrorist 
acts.  Assuring Michuki of robust US and UK assistance, the 
Ambassador underscored the need for GOK commitment and action 
to develop and implement a JTTF. 
 
5. (SBU) UKHC Clay argued that the JTTF is the most promising 
structure to help the GOK enhance its counter terrorism 
capability and promised British Government support for the 
initiative.  Clay pointed out that a Scotland Yard detective 
with extensive experience in Northern Ireland was assigned to 
Kenya specifically to support a JTTF operation. 
 
6. (SBU) Michuki concurred with the envoys' assertions that 
the specialized approach embodied in the JTTF will make the 
GOK's counter terrorism effort more effective and help to 
build on the training provided by the US and UK.  Michuki 
pointed to the need for a limited, well-trusted group to work 
on counter terrorism issues with a minimum of bureaucracy. 
Michuki directed Senior Deputy Permanent Secretary Musasia to 
determine what action is required to get the JTTF structure 
in place. 
 
7.  (C) COMMENT.  We requested this meeting with Michuki and 
asked UKHC Clay to join because we are concerned that GOK 
decision makers have not done enough to set up a functioning 
JTTF.  We are cautiously encouraged by Michuki's promise for 
action and will follow up with Musasia on next steps.  END 
COMMENT. 
BELLAMY