KDF Army boss Lieutenant General Leonard Ngondi visits troops in Kismayu, urges professionalism

Kenya Defence Forces Army Commander Lieutenant General Leonard Ngondi has visited AMISOM KDF troops serving in Kismayu sector in Somalia and urged them to be professional in their work.

Lt Gen Ngondi said there is much more that needs to be done before Somalia becomes a fully functioning state.

He said the Training and Mentorship programs for SNA were progressing well in the Jubaland Sector despite challenges, saying that success of the programs would ensure that Somalia takes over the responsibilities of defending itself with well trained professional troops.

Lt Gen Ngondi said Sunday he has confidence that the troops shall successfully achieve what is expected of them.

 “I urge you to exercise the highest level of professionalism and service discipline as you exercise your mandate in Somalia, under the Umbrella of AMISOM. I applaud the good work that you have done so far, despite the challenges and risks that you face,” he said.

KDF Army Commander, Lt. General Leonard Ngondi (R) shakes hands with Major Koech (L), Kismayu Airport Commanding Officer, during his arrival in Kismayu. (PHOTO: COURTESY)

According to AMISOM website, the Army Commander was received by Commander AMISOM Sector Two Brigadier D.C. Bartonjo, Commanding Officer 2 MIB Lt Colonel Kipya and other military officers serving in AMISOM.

Lt Gen Ngondi commended the troops serving in Somalia for the sacrifices they were making to ensure that terrorism is defeated and peace restored in Somalia.

Lt Gen Ngondi with the Interim Jubba Administration President, Ahmed Mohamed Islam-Madobe. (PHOTO: COURTESY)

Of particular mention was the part recently played by AMISOM KDF Forces in the liberation of Baardheere and Taraka in July this year  and Kuday Island in March 2015.

During the visit, he was able to visit troops in the various locations including the new and old airport.

He was briefed on the work being done by AMISOM troops in sector two and sector Kismayu.

The Army Commander also met with the Interim Jubba Administration President, Ahmed Mohamed Islam-Madobe, and had discussions centered on the security of the region.

The Kenyan troops entered Somalia in October 2011 and were later formally integrated into Amisom in February 2012 after the United Nations Security Council passed Resolution 2036.

Currently there are 3, 664 soldiers from Kenya.