President Kenyatta: We will not leave Somalia

President Uhuru Kenyatta has reiterated that the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) will not leave Somalia.

President Kenyatta’s statement comes a few days after suspected Al Shabaab militants attempted to carry out attacks in Lamu.

President Kenyatta was speaking at the Defence Forces Memorial Hospital where he had gone to visit soldiers who were injured during the botched attack on a military camp in Baure, Lamu County.

“Kenya is not going to leave Somalia, the fight is on,” said the head of state.

Two KDF soldiers lost their lives during the attack early Sunday morning where at least 16 Al-Shabaab militants were killed.

Among those killed were two men of Caucasian origin, which gives credence to recent intelligence reports that the Al-Shabaab is increasingly recruiting fighters from as far away as Europe and the United States of America.

One of the dead is believed to be a high-ranking member of the militants’ command.

Officials said KDF is keen to share the details of the dead fighters with Somalia and Interpol to establish their identity.

The attack came just one day after police warned on impending attacks during the Muslim holy month of Ramadhan.

The terrorists struck as the country marked the anniversary of Mpeketoni attacks in which more than 60 people died last year.

By Maureen Murimi