Security agencies did their best at Westgate

By Joseph ole Lenku

“God and the soldier, all men adore. In time of trouble — and no more. For when war is over, and all things righted; God is neglected — and the old soldier slighted”—The late US President John F. Kennedy quoting the lines found in an ancient sentry box in Gibraltar.

JFK was addressing graduating military officers at West Point Academy in 1962.

Saturday September 21, should have been like any other Saturday — a day when many Kenyans take things easy; go out and enjoy with their families, attend weddings or simply spend quality time with friends and relatives in the peace, security and comfort of their homes. But this peace and security that Kenyans have known for years was shattered when terrorists raided Westgate Shopping Mall where, regrettably, over 60 innocent lives were lost and property running into millions of shillings was destroyed.

It took the courage and efforts of our security forces who put their lives on the line to rescue over a thousand shoppers trapped inside the mall, literally staring death in the eye. Had our security forces not reacted fast enough, chances are the number of casualties would have been much higher.

When the raid happened, international experts told us that given Kenya’s inexperience in dealing with such complex security situations, it would take between 7 and 10 days for Kenyan security personnel to vanquish the terrorists. But our security forces were able to reverse the situation within four days. This is a most commendable act considering that it was the first time our security was dealing with such a challenge.

Equally commendable was the support, sympathy and empathy Kenyans from all walks of life extended to the victims of the attack and to security agents at Westgate. It was a moment that made us all very proud to be Kenyans. Unfortunately, in the aftermath of Westgate terror attack, some commentators have started a blame game where they accuse sections of the country’s security agencies of having failed in the discharge of their duties.

As the Cabinet Secretary under whose docket internal security falls, I can say without fear of contradiction that our security agencies have over the years done a commendable job safeguarding the security of this country.

Security agencies have foiled many planned terror attacks in the country but, by the very nature of their work, they do not call a press conference to announce their achievements. True, the fact that the Westgate attack happened, whereas in the past our security agents have foiled many other possible attacks, means there were failures in the system. Terrorism poses an exceptional threat to everyone everywhere in the world. No country is safe from terrorism. And fighting it is not a conventional war where the enemy is clear, identifiable and easy to take out.

Given the unconventional nature of the enemy, it is imperative to adopt different strategies. We must also appreciate that we are dealing with a sophisticated criminal outfit whose daily occupation is to plan terror attacks backed sometimes by numerous resources. When faced with such a nebulous enemy, security agents alone cannot guarantee security. Security becomes the business of everyone of us and the challenge is for us to be our brother’s keeper.

There are important security lessons to learn from the Westgate tragedy towards ensuring the safety of Kenyans everywhere and at all times. I want to personally appeal to all Kenyans to come together in solidarity and help our security forces to win the war against terrorism.

Finally, remember we are in this together and let us not “slight the old soldier” now that “things have been righted”.