Anti-terrorism police officers in Isiolo, North Eastern Kenya, have arrested three youths who were allegedly on their way to Somalia apparently to join Al Shabaab militia group.
The three had been reported missing three weeks ago.
Isiolo County Commissioner George Natembeya said the suspects were part of six young men who mysteriously fled with intent to join the terror group.
He added that the remaining three of the group of six from Tulluroba village were still missing and are suspected to be on their way to Somalia.
Natembeya said the detectives were following leads after their parents reported about their sons’ disappearance.
He said the returnees will be brought back to Isiolo by police and will be subjected to thorough investigation so as to track their colleagues.
The county security and intelligence team chairman revealed that police were informed about the three youths who seemed suspicious to villagers in Garissa County.
He said the trio was arrested at Dagahaley refugee camp as they were heading to Mandera County on a motorbike carrying spare wheels and reserve fuel.
“The young men were riding motorcycles from Isiolo and had carried with them reserve fuel in jericans and spare wheels,” he said.
Natembeya, however, blamed lack of political goodwill for the rise in incidents of radicalization and recruitment of area youths into terrorism.
He faulted residents for failing to give information on time, saying some do not cooperate during investigations.
Police have questioned several suspects believed to be recruiting young people into the terror group.
