Uhuru: We lost KDF soldiers in Al Shabaab attack
BY KENFREY KIBERENGE @KenKiberenge
This morning, the terrorist group Al-Shabaab attacked an African Union Mission in Somalia (Amisom) base camp at El Adde, in Somalia.
President Uhuru Kenyatta has confirmed that Kenya Defence Forces soldiers were killed when Al-Shabaab militants attacked one of their camps in Somalia, on Friday morning.
The president, however, failed to give a figure of the fallen soldiers even as international media quoted a figure of between 50 and 62.
The soldiers were killed when Al-Shabaab terrorists attacked an Amisom base camp at El Adde, which is occupied by KDF serving under Amisom.
“Our gallant soldiers reacted swiftly to protect their camp; to protect their peace and stability that they are in Somalia to secure; and to protect our country from its enemies and their sympathisers,” he said.
“Regrettably, some of our patriots in uniform paid the ultimate price. It is heart-breaking.”
CONDOLENCES
President Kenyatta said Kenya will not be cowed by the attacks, vowing to continue in Somalia to “fulfill our mission”. We will hunt down the criminals involved in today’s events. Our soldiers’ blood will not be shed in vain,” he said.
The president condoled with families of the fallen soldiers. “I stand with you. Our country stands with you. We deeply appreciate the sacrifices made by your loved ones in defence of our democracy, our peace and our security,” he added. “I will keep the families in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time, and I ask Kenyans to pray with me.”
Cord leader Raila Odinga and Amani Party Congress leader Musalia Mudavadi also sent their condolences to the affected families.
“I extend deep condolences to the families, friends and relatives of the slain soldiers who have died in a valiant effort to keep our country and the world safe,” said Mr Odinga. “Their death confirms the danger we continue to face from extremists as a country and a region.”
Mudavadi said: “The attack shows that terrorism is alive and it is fatal for us to relapse into a false sense of security. Kenyans must remain extremely vigilant against the evil of terrorism.”
