Uhuru makes surprise visit to KDF in war-torn Somalia

President Uhuru Kenyatta on Saturday, March 18 made a historic visit to Somalia meeting Kenyan troops serving under the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) at the DMC.

The Commander-in-Chief, dressed in his military fatigue met KDF soldiers and thanked them for their sacrifice and service to their motherland.

“Your being here in Somalia has saved many lives, and for that Kenyans will forever be indebted to you. Your presence here has at least freed people of the fear of Al Shabaab,” President Kenyatta said.

“We have revived our tourism sector thanks to you for securing our country.” He added

Kenyatta spent the day hearing firsthand how the troops were working to secure our country as well as the challenges they faced on a day-to-day basis.

He had lunch with the troops and examined the equipment they are using in the battlefield.

It was present Kenyatta’s first visit to Somalia in the context of lift morale of the Kenyan troops.

The Head of State assured the KDF soldiers that Government will always support and stand with them.

“We are talking to the new Somali Government to emphasize to them the importance of building their military so that you can go back home. That is our exit strategy,” President Kenyatta said.

The visit came four days after the State of the Nation address in which the President paid glowing tribute to Kenyan men and women in uniform for their commitment and dedication to service to secure their country.

“In defence of our motherland, and in fulfilling our international obligations to pursue peace and security, we have lost some of our gallant soldiers,” President Kenyatta said in his State of the Nation address.

He added: “These losses remind us of the threat that is upon us. I stand here today to say that these gallant sons and daughters of Kenya have not fallen in vain. Their sacrifice for our freedom and our motherland strengthens our resolve.”