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