THREE Tanzanian nationals arrested over suspicion on terror activities were reportedly trying to get into Somalia, through a forest in Lamu.

The Coast deputy provincial police officer, Robert Kitur released the names of the suspects as Jamani Ali Muswadiku 30, Mbaruki Sharif Muswadiku 26, and Harun Waziri Tinawa 17, who were arrested on August 9th this year in the area.

He said they were found in possession of machetes and binoculars, leading the police to suspect they had ulterior motives as they were just about to cross to Somalia, through the Boni forest.

The anti-terror police officers are questioning the suspects to find out whether they could be members of the Al-shabaab terror group.

According to police information, the three foreigners, two brothers and a teenager entered the country on the July 28th as preachers.

"The three entered the country through the Lunga Lunga border point. They came under the disguise of preaching during the Ramadhan period. Investigations by the anti-terror officers are going on to determine what exactly is their motive," said Kitur.

The police boss said security had been beefed up along the border in anticipation of a major onslaught this week by the Amisom forces into the strategic port city of Kismayu.

"We know some elements are on the run from the Kenyan Defense Forces as they move to capture Kismayu. Our waters have been secured by the Kenyan naval forces and the marine police. We are conducting intensive patrols," said Kitur.

The al shabbab has been blamed for the recent spate of grenade attacks in the country and is said to have recruited foreign fighters in its ranks.

In May, two foreigners were arrested about 20 kilometers from the Kenya-Somali borders. The two, a German and a Belgian were arrested at Basuba in Kiunga.

Last year, three British youths were arrested in Lamu as they prepared to cross into Somali from the Kiunga border point. They were later deported.