by MAUREEN KINYANJUI
Sunday July 16, 2023
Cabinet Secretary for Defence Aden Duale speaking during a security meeting in Wajir County on July 14, 2023 Image: KDF
The Kenya Kwanza government has vowed to deal with terror groups head-on.
Cabinet Secretary for Defence Aden Duale on Friday emphasized that the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) and other security teams will deal with the terror-related activities to ensure Kenyan soil remains safe.
He warned the militia, noting that they will not be allowed to thrive in terror activities on Kenyan land.
"Militia shall not find a safe haven in Kenya once they are flushed out of Somalia. The Kenya Defence Forces and other security teams remain vigilant and steadfast to degrade the terrorist- related activities," Duale added.
The CS pledged that his ministry shall continue enhancing the capability of the Kenya Defence Forces to acquire modern and sophisticated weapons to enhance the force posture and enable the military combat the ever-changing security threat.
In order to reduce the conflicts arising from scramble for resources Duale commissioned the construction of a borehole at Gherille that shall be drilled by the KDF to supply clean water for the local community.
The CS held a series of security meetings in various places in Wajir County with the aim of enhancing peace and stability in the region.
Present were General Officer Commanding Eastern Command (GOC EastComm) Major General Juma Mwinyikayi, a host of Members of Parliament from the region among them Aden Daud (Wajir East), Hussein Barre (Tarbaj), Mohammed Adow (Wajir South), Abdul Ibrahim (Mandera South) as well as Farah Maalim Bishar from Burhaje in Somalia.
The Northeastern region and parts of the Coast have been experiencing increased terror attacks by al Shabaab, which has launched deadly raids, torching property, and even beheading people.
Shabaab had planted IEDs on the roads and raided villages.
Last week, the government announced the suspension of reopening the Kenya- Somalia border as terrorism surged.
In addition, the government will purchase sophisticated equipment over the next three months to help police and KDF forces fight the militia.
Duale also said that the government would not be intimidated by terrorists.