Uhuru expresses concern over killing of Kenyans by Al Shabaab

Tuesday, May 28, 2013

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President Uhuru Kenyatta has expressed concern over the continued killing of Kenyan nationals by Al Shabaab insurgents from Somalia.

Speaking when he held a meeting with the Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on the sidelines of the African Union Summit Monday, President Kenyatta said his primary responsibility is to protect the lives and property of Kenyans and ensure they attend to their daily lives in a safe and secure environment.

In this regard, the President said that his Government has and will continue to support efforts towards the realization of peace and stability.

The President emphasized that even as his Government supports the peace process in Somalia, the Somali Government also has responsibility to ensure the lives and property of Kenyans are not threatened by criminal elements from Somalia.

The President noted that peace and stability in Somalia will be in the interests not only of Somali nationals but also the people of Kenya and the Horn of Africa region.

The President indicated that Kenya’s interest and engagement in Somalia within the framework of IGAD is within the confines of the mandate of AMISOM only.

Expressing appreciation for the support of the Kenyan government, President Mohamud assured President Kenyatta of his commitment to achieving the goal of peace and stability without which the reconstruction of the country will not be possible.

He assured President Kenyatta of the commitment of his Government to ensure peace in recently liberated areas.

Great dream

During the five day visit to Ethiopia, President Kenyatta also attended the 21st Ordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government of the AU where continental issues were discussed.

Making his inaugural speech during the 21st Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the heads of state and government of the African Union, President Uhuru Kenyatta called on African countries to invest enormous resources towards wealth and job creation and stimulate greater African social-economic integration in order to achieve the African aspiration for renewal and renaissance.

He noted that in order to attain this great dream, African states must also avail the requisite resources to the African Union Commission to enable it implement programmes that promote peace and advance development of the continent.

President Kenyatta asked member states to successfully utilize the youthful and energetic population of the continent to spur greater development.

President Kenyatta said he was convinced that an important key to the African aspiration lies in accelerated integration, enhanced trade, particularly intra-Africa trade, investment and creation of a web of infrastructural networks that link the continent and facilitate productive activities.

Empowerment

Speaking during the 50th Anniversary of the Organisation of African Unity /African Union (OAU/AU), President Kenyatta said Africa must develop its economies, democratize governance, manage its diversity and ensure equitable distribution of resources in order to secure its future in the face of complex challenges facing the continent, Citing the successes of the Inter-Governmental Agency for Development (IGAD), the President hailed the organisation for promoting unity, peace, stability and development in the Horn of Africa region.

He said with lessons learnt from IGAD, politics in the region must be conducted in a manner that recognizes cultural and environmental differences.

Addressing a Youth Forum on Friday, President Uhuru Kenyatta called for the empowerment of the youth in Africa to enable them fully exploit and harness the great potential of the continent.

Noting that the youth form 70 per cent of the population, President Kenyatta said there is need to mainstream the youth in all facets of life to give them a chance to participate and develop their potential.

During the visit, First Lady Margaret Kenyatta who accompanied the President also attended her first summit of the Organisation of African First Ladies against HIV/AIDS (OAFLA) which coincided with the 50th anniversary of the African Union.

Delivering her maiden speech First Lady Margaret Kenyatta pledged to wage a vigorous campaign against the spread of HIV/AIDS and to conquer stigma and discrimination against people living with the disease.

Others who accompanied the President include Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Ambassador Amina Mohammed, Kenya’s Ambassador to Ethiopia and Permanent Representative to the AU Ambassador Dr Monica Juma, Baringo Senator Gideon Moi, Taveta MP Dr Naomi Shaaban and Kajiado Central Mp Joseph Nkaissery and high ranking Government officials.

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