Kenya will not relent in its war against terrorism even as al Shabaab continues launching attacks on soft targets in the country, President Uhuru Kenyatta has said.
He said the fact that Al-Shabaab has resorted to attacking soft targets means they are losing the war.
"They are seeking to intimidate us as a nation, but we will not let them. We will fight them fiercely," the President said.
President Kenyatta spoke yesterday at the Defence Forces Memorial Hospital in Nairobi when he visited Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) soldiers injured during an abortive Al-Shabaab raid at military camp at Baure in Lamu County.
The President called on Kenyans to join efforts with the Government as it seeks to vanquish the Somalia-based terror cell. "We are a nation that appreciates and recognises the rights of every individual and their freedom of worship. We will not allow any person to force on us a way of life that is not ours," the President said.
He said Kenya joined the fight against the extremists under African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) at the request of African Union and will continue with the mission to support the stabilisation of the Horn of Africa country.
The Head of State commended KDF soldiers in Somalia for their commitment to defend the country, and assured them of the Government and Kenyans' support as they execute their duties.
Defend country
"We appreciate the good work that you do. We recognise that each and every moment you are putting your lives in danger so that Kenyans can be safe," Uhuru told the KDF.
He added: "We are here to support you and to tell you that millions of Kenyans hold you in high regard and are grateful for the continued work that you do to defend our country."
Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) General Samson Mwathethe thanked the President for the visit, saying it was a morale booster to the soldiers.
"It is a blessing to have you here. It is really great for you as our Commander in Chief to come and share the victory with us today," the CDF said.
Gen Mwathethe said the injured KDF soldiers were ready to go back to Somalia once they recuperate to ensure the battle against Al-Shabaab is won.
During his recent visit to South Africa, President Kenyatta attended a meeting of leaders of countries contributing troops to the AMISOM where deliberations focused on ways of scaling up efforts to defeat Al-Shabaab and stabilise Somalia.
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