The Inspector General of Police Japheth Koome has issued a statement addressing a viral letter that allegedly from the National Police Service issuing advisory cautioning members of the public about an impending Al-Shabaab terrorist attack during this festive season.

In his statement, Koome said the NPS has noted the contents of the letter with concern and distanced his office from the purported letter.

“The National Police Service has noted with utmost concern, the contents of a letter circulating on social media, warning of a potential attack in Nairobi,” Koome said.

“In tandem with the communication procedure within the National Police Service, we wish to clarify that the letter has neither originated from the Office of the Inspector General, nor has the undersigned officer received any instructions in accordance with the chain of command, to author or disseminate the letter.”

Koome also disclosed the NPS has taken action against the officer identified as Timon Odingo under whose name the letter was signed.

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Odingo in the letter identified himself as the Makadara Sub-county Police Commander.

“As a deterrence measure, administrative action has been taken against the concerned officer,” Koome’s statement read.

In the same breath, Koome assured members of the public that the country is safe and was under the surveillance of multi-agency security teams.

He also encouraged members of the public to continue with their daily businesses as usual, but urged them to remain vigilant and share any pertinent information with the police.

“Meanwhile, we would like to take this opportunity to assure the public that the country is safe and under strict surveillance by multi-agency security teams,” the IG said.

"Members of public are therefore encouraged to continue with their daily businesses but without fear. In the spirit of community policing, we call upon the public to remain vigilant and share any security information with the nearest police station or via hotlines."

According to the letter in question that seemed to have been leaked to the public, public spaces such as; Presbyterian Guest House and Conference Centre in South C, Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church in South B, Nairobi West Mall, Capital Centre, Garden City Mall and T-Mall.

Odingo also requested the deployment of armed officers in the target areas and the mounting of impromptu roadblocks for vehicular searches.

Terrorist threats usually blemish festive seasons such as Christmas, especially from the infamous Al-Shabaab terrorist group.