Kenya urges fans to watch World Cup at home after attacks

The Kenyan government on Friday urged football fans to watch World Cup matches at home rather than in public places, less than a week after attacks left nearly 60 dead.
      
"Where possible, Kenyans are strongly advised to watch the World Cup matches from the comfort of their homes instead of crowded and unprotected open places," the interior ministry said in a statement.
      
On Sunday night, gunmen raided the coastal town of Mpeketoni -- situated near the tourist island of Lamu -- and massacred close to 50 people. The attack came as some people in the town were watching a World Cup match in local cafes and hotels.
      
A further nine people were killed in an attack the following night in a nearby village.
      
"Although the government has beefed up security in all parts of the country, bar and restaurant owners are at the same time notified to maintain high alert in their areas of operation," the interior ministry said on Friday.
      
"This will ensure that bar and restaurant patrons are safe from criminals who may try to take advantage of the World Cup to perpetrate acts of criminality and violence."       

The attacks were claimed by Somalia's Al-Qaeda-linked Shebab, although Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta has blamed the carnage on "local political networks" and an "opportunist network of other criminal gangs".
                      
Kenya's warning comes amid a wider alert in East Africa over the threat of Shebab attacks during World Cup screenings.
      
Last week Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, whose country is a key contributor to African Union forces fighting Shebab in Somalia, urged fans "to be alert as they enjoy...