Kenya's police commissioner is warning that al-Qaeda-linked Somali insurgents may attempt to strike Kenya over the Easter holidays.

Commissioner Mathew Iteere said Thursday night that police have received reliable information that the al-Shabab militia group has threatened to attack public areas such as places of worship, recreational areas and major government buildings.

The al-Shabab terrorist network is an al-Qaeda linked group based in Somalia. It claimed responsibility for an attack in Uganda last summer during the World Cup final that killed 76 people.

The group has threatened to attack Kenya for allegedly helping Somali government troops and their allies attack the militants' bases in Somalia.