NAIROBI (Halbeeg News) – The President of Kenya Uhuru Kenyatta has vowed that his country’s troops will continue fighting in Somalia until Al-Shabaab is defeated.
Speaking during the 7th annual KDF Day at Kenyatta Barracks in Gilgil, Nakuru County, Mr. Uhuru said KDF who are working under AMISOM will not be withdrawn until all terror networks are fully annihilated.
“We went to Somalia in 2011. We shall continue our presence in the country until the restoration of full security in Somalia,” the president said.
He said the country appreciates the commitment of the soldiers in promoting peace initiatives.
“Kenyans are proud of the way their soldiers have handled themselves – in a professional, patriotic and disciplined manner,” he lauded.
Uhuru said there is need to ensure that Kenyan borders remain secure, a role the KDF has prayed with pride, courage, and determination.
He said Kenya’s continued contribution of troops for peace missions was indicative of the government’s commitment to peace and security in the region and beyond.
KDF Day is marked to commemorate Kenya’s fallen soldiers who died in Somalia since 2011 the country sent its troops to Somalia.
East African nation deployed its troops in Somalia to fight Al-Shabaab fighters in Southern Somalia in 2011.
A year later, the UN Security Council gave Kenya the green light to join Amisom, a decision that meant the Treasury would not bear the full costs of the incursion.
Though Kenya has never made public the number of its troops killed or amount of money it has spent on the war on Al-Shabaab, the country suffered the highest death toll when compared to its AMISOM partners.
Key among the numbers which remain a military secret is how many soldiers died in the twin Kulbiyow (2017) and El Adde (2016) attacks. A tally from various media reports shows at least 1,000 Kenyans have died since 2011.
Discussion about this post