General Mwathethe praises KDF soldiers for peace efforts during Somalia visit

Chief of the Defence Forces (CDF), General Samson Mwathethe has praised Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) troops serving in Africa Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) for their continuous successes in pacifying their areas of responsibility and ensuring that there is peace in Somalia.

Gen. Mwathethe who made a visit to troops in Kuday Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Badhadhe District, Lower Juba in Somalia, noted that it was because of the soldiers’ dedication to duty that Kenya is safe.

“I have come here today to bring Christmas and New Year greetings, first from our Commander-In-Chief, His Excellency President Uhuru Kenyatta and also from KDF fraternity at home. They are proud of you and of the successes you have achieved during your tour of duty,” said Gen. Mwathethe.

“Even when you are here, we want you to know that we are thinking of you, we can never forget you. We wish you well and success in the execution of your mandate in Somalia.”

Gen. Mwathethe told the soldiers that peace in Somalia translated to peace in Kenya, further noting that they are well equipped for the task.

“We are in Somalia because we know that if Somalia is free of Al Shabaab and terrorism, Kenya will also be free of the scourge. We must therefore ensure that we destroy the enemy here, to guarantee the destruction of the enemy at home. Our actions and successes here will safeguard a Kenya, devoid of fear of terror attacks that have from time to time been launched at home,” he said.

“I am happy that we have been able to provide the best equipment for the task that we have been mandated to undertake in this mission. We have, over time, appreciated your various needs and I am confident that with the defences that we have, with the weapons that we have and with the courage of the soldier that we have, I have no doubt that we shall execute our tasks successfully.”

He also urged the troops to continue offering a helping hand to ensure that lives of Kuday residents continuously improve.

“I am thankful that you continue to have good relations with the local population. I know they thank God for your presence here; you have assisted in building schools and improved existing infrastructure, you have provided medical care for them, the numbers of school going children have significantly increased and business has been thriving because of your presence in this region.  This is commendable,” he stated.

Kenya Navy Commander Maj. Gen. Levi Mghalu, on his part, commended the troops for keeping the Kenyan flag flying high through their valor and for the sacrifices they have made, even beyond the call of duty.

“I commend you for the very good work that you are doing here. Kenya Navy will continue to assist you, to the best of our capability. I bring you greetings from Kenya Navy fraternity who are aware of the good work you are doing, and wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 2020,” said Gen. Mghalu.