Hiiraan Online

Photo/FILE President Uhuru Kenyatta has said the government will use all means at its disposal to defend citizens from both internal and external aggression. 

Saturday, October 26, 2013

The President also assured the United Nations that the Government would provide adequate security to the UN Nairobi-based offices and other strategic installations across the country.

“We want to assure the UN that we are working to ensure that Kenya is safe for all who live in it and their families. We have increased visible security and will remain vigilant,” he said.

President Kenyatta reaffirmed that the Westgate Mall terror attack would not prevent the government from accomplishing its peace mission in Somalia.

Speaking when he met United Nations Deputy Secretary General Jan Eliasson at State House Nairobi, President Kenyatta said the cowardly acts of terrorists who target innocent civilians will not be distract the Government’s war on terror.

We would like to remind anybody threatening our peace that as a country we stand ready to defend our rights to peaceful co-existence,” he said.

“Kenya will not relent on its war against international terror. We will continue to work with our partners to defeat terrorists,” the President added.

The President assured Mr Eliasson that his Government will work closely with the UN and other partners in the fight against international terror groups to ensure sustainable peace in the East African region.

The UN Deputy Secretary General praised the Kenya Government for her pivotal role in fostering peace in the region.

Mr Eliasson said the UN recognises Kenya’s role in the Sudan peace process and stabilisation of Somalia.

He pledged continued support to Kenya efforts in brokering peace in the region, especially in the troubled Horn of Africa and DR Congo.

“I will push for more UN recognition of Kenya’s frontline role in the fight against international terrorism. We will also support initiatives by the Kenya Government for sustainable peace in the EA region,” the UN deputy chief said.

The President separately met the Special Envoy of the UN Secretary-General to the Great Lakes Region Mary Robinson who also paid him a courtesy call.

President Kenyatta and the Special Envoy discussed volatility in the region especially DR Congo and implementation of the comprehensive agreement that would lead to the demobilisation of the M23 rebel group.

Ms Robinson commended President Kenyatta for his unwavering support to an amicable solution to the dispute between the DR Congo Government and M23 rebels.