Governors want KDF to remain in Somalia

The Council of Governors has supported the national government’s stand that the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) will continue serving in Somalia with an aim of defeating the Al Shabaab militia.

Through its chair Peter Munya, the Council said that KDF now needs to remain in Somalia than ever before and especially after last week’s attack that left several soldiers dead and others injured.

Munya, who is also the Meru County Governor, compared the Al Shabaab militia to devil worshipers saying they have no religion.

“The Bible and the Quran teach people good values and morals and not the values Al Shabaab claim to stand for,” said Munya.

He further said that the Al Shabaab attacks will not divide Kenyans along religious lines but only strengthen the country’s resolve to remain united and forge forward stronger.

Munya said that Al Shabaab is a minority group that has been trying to destabilize Somalia and spread disunity among the Somali people.

He noted that KDF is in Somalia to help the government achieve peace and stability in the East African country that has not had a stable government since 1992.

He called on Kenyans to give any information that may be helpful to the security agencies in the fight against extremism and terrorism.

On Tuesday, President Uhuru Kenyatta said that Kenya will continue to stand with the International Community to free Somalia from the oppression of terrorist groups.

The Head of State noted that Kenya’s efforts as well as those of other AMISOM peacekeepers who have also lost their lives had enabled Somalia to resume normal operations.

However, the Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (CORD) feels that the government must now draw an exit strategy to withdraw KDF from Somalia.

On Tuesday, Kakamega Senator Dr. Bonny Khalwale said KDF’s role in Somalia is undefined noting that there should be a clear exit strategy for the soldiers and redeployment to secure Kenyan borders.

The pronouncement came just days after Al Shabaab militants attacked a KDF camp in El-Adde killing an undisclosed number of soldiers.