JOINT US-UK DEMARCHE TO PRESS GOK FOR PROGRESS ON

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