We will do all we can to defeat terrorism -Kenyatta

President Uhuru Kenyatta has said his government will do all it can to protect Kenyans and defeat terrorism.

Speaking during the Jamhuri day celebrations at Nyayo Stadium, the Head of State stated that the Kenyan government has modernized Kenya’s forces, improved their mobility, and strengthened inter-agency coordination.

“Alive in our minds and hearts is the brutal mass murder of young Kenyans by terrorists at Garissa University College in April. We remember in our prayers the victims and their families. Let the deaths of these young people strengthen our resolve to deal as a united nation, with those who threaten to divide us,” stated President Kenyatta.

The President noted that some allies in the fight against terrorism had suffered similar painful attacks.

“We offer our heartfelt condolences to the people of France for the attacks in Paris, to Nigerians, who have so valiantly resisted Boko Haram; to the United States for the brutal attack in California; and to the thousands in Syria and Iraq who have endured extremist violence,” stated President Kenyatta.

“The global nature of these attacks reminds us that an attack on one is an attack on all of us. We resolve to play an important part in the effort to build a more robust global peace and security architecture,” he added.

President Kenyatta urged Kenyans to remain vigilant.

“The terrorists are among us, everybody should be cautious,” stated the President.

Deputy President William Ruto lauded Kenyans who had partnered with security agencies in a bid to secure the country.

“We need to ensure that all parts of our country are secure,” stated Ruto. “It is important that all of us assist in securing our future.”

President Kenyatta has previously called for unified efforts in the fight against radicalization, violent extremism and terrorism.

In November, President Kenyatta said commonwealth countries can collaborate as a family at national, regional and international levels in implementing strategies to counter the threats posed by international crimes.

The President was speaking at the close of the three-day 25th commonwealth heads of government meeting (CHOGM) in Valletta, Malta.