MP, Senator speak out on withdrawal of KDF from Somalia

By JOB WERU

Nyeri, Kenya: Two MPs and a Senator from Central Kenya have decried calls to withdraw the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) from Somalia in order to contain increasing terror attacks meted by suspected al-Shabaab adherents.

MPs, Kanini Kega (Kieni), Ndung’u Gethenji (Tetu) and Nyeri Senator Mutahi Kagwe said withdrawing the military is an act of cowardice and the enemies would claim victory against Kenya.

Kega said withdrawing the military from the neighbouring country would also lead to loss of the gains the KDF has helped gather for the troubled country.

“It is time to bite the bullet and hit the dragon. As much as we sympathise with families of those killed and maimed in the attacks, we should know that withdrawing the KDF could even increase attacks in our land,” said Kega.

Addressing a press conference at the White Rhino Hotel in Nyeri town, the legislator called on Kenyans to support President Uhuru Kenyatta and his Deputy, William Ruto, who have insisted that the military will continue with the incursion until Somalia stabilises.

He also challenged the National Intelligence Services (NIS) over their role, saying they are to blame for the increased attacks.

“We want to know what they are doing, since our intelligence was a few years ago the best in the country. We were actually second from the Central Intelligence Services (CIA) and we demand to know why the laxity,” said Kega.

And Gethenji, who is the chairman of the Defence and Foreign Relations Committee in parliament said recalling the army in Somali will not end the war against Al Shabaab.

Gethenji said the officers who are there under the mandate of the African Union have a role in maintaining peace and keeping the country in order.

“KDF should continue their operations in Somali until all criminal elements are stamped out. Let us safeguard Kenya and other countries. It is in the Kenya’s interest and that of Kenya’s economy,” said Gethenji.

Kagwe said the KDF team should camp in Somali since removing them will not end insecurity in the country.

Kagwe called on the Government to install CCTV cameras across the country so that the terrorists can be identified and arrested using footage recorded by the surveillance cameras.

“Those supporting Al Shabaab should also be exposed. We should do everything to ensure we secure our borders and our streets,” said Kagwe.

The leaders said terrorism is global threat, noting that the USA was in the past a major target for attacks.

“It is happening world over, but the vice is amplified in Kenya due to our proximity to Somalia, which is a base for one of the world reknown terror groups,” he said.

The MP also called on Muslim clerics to take centre-stage in condemning the attacks, and also controlling their youth against
radicalisation.

“We want to see them take centre stage in helping the government contain these cases of insecurity,” said Kega.