Kenya: terrorist attacks increase after 'Linda Nchi'

A briefing by the Institute for Security Studies analyzing a blast in a Nairobi shopping centre and the broader increase in terrorist attacks in Kenya following the 'Linda Nchi' incursion into Somalia.

• Since 15 October 2011, Kenya has experienced a gradual rise in terrorist attacks and casualties. While Al-Shabaab is the primary suspect due to previous warnings of revenge for Kenya's incursion into Somalia and the specific modus operandi used, the group has not consistently claimed responsibility. The briefing notes that while the use of grenades points toward Al-Shabaab—as other criminal groups typically use 'pangas' (machetes)—modus operandi can be mimicked.
• The security situation in Kenya is complicated by the return of Kenyans trained by Al-Shabaab, which may signal further violence. Additionally, the briefing highlights a communication failure within the Kenyan government, noting a contradiction between Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who labelled a recent Nairobi shopping centre blast as a terrorist attack, and the police, who initially attributed it to an electrical fault.
• The United States issued a warning to its citizens about potential attacks in Kenya, suggesting the US possesses useful intelligence. The briefing suggests that Kenya and the US should share information to prevent future attacks, though it cautions that direct US involvement could worsen the situation.

APA

Institute for Security Studies (n.d.). Kenya: terrorist attacks increase after 'Linda Nchi'. https://issafrica.org/research/publication-archives/cpra-daily-briefing/kenya-terrorist-attacks-increase-after-linda-nchi

Chicago

Institute for Security Studies. Kenya: terrorist attacks increase after 'Linda Nchi'. n.d. https://issafrica.org/research/publication-archives/cpra-daily-briefing/kenya-terrorist-attacks-increase-after-linda-nchi.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=Institute for Security Studies |title=Kenya: terrorist attacks increase after 'Linda Nchi' |url=https://issafrica.org/research/publication-archives/cpra-daily-briefing/kenya-terrorist-attacks-increase-after-linda-nchi |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{instituteforsecuritystudiesndkenya, author = {{Institute for Security Studies}}, title = {{Kenya: terrorist attacks increase after 'Linda Nchi'}}, institution = {Institute for Security Studies}, url = {https://issafrica.org/research/publication-archives/cpra-daily-briefing/kenya-terrorist-attacks-increase-after-linda-nchi}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }