Britain to support Kenyan military in the fight against terrorism

Mudavadi with Lord Steel in an earlier meeting

The United Kingdom government has assured Kenya of continued military, counter terrorism, defence and intelligence cooperation.

The commitment was made during talks between Amani National Congress party leader Musalia Mudavadi and Nic Hailey, the Director of African Affairs in the UK Foreign Commonwealth Office.

“Kenya is an important socio-political and economical and diplomatic hub of East Africa and major tourist attraction for the British. Our policy remains one of strengthening our strong historical diplomatic ties”, stressed Hailey.

Mudavadi who is on an extended visit in London to meet government, political and business leaders welcomed the UK government’s recognition of the importance on Kenya and England's diplomatic affairs.

“Mutual reciprocity is the currency of modern diplomacy. No country is less important or more secure. We have shared interests to secure the world for all peoples as a community of nations” said Mudavadi.

Both Mudavadi and Hailey stressed the importance of internal and external security particularly on terrorism and youth radicalization in both countries.

“We agreed to explore joint efforts in terrorism prevention given that some British nationals have been involved in terror attacks in Kenya,” Mudavadi said.

“I’ll be seeking British views and positions on the anti-terror war and the escalating situation in the Great Lakes Region and the civil war in South Sudan. You know Kenya is intimately engaged in these matters through Igad and the East African Community,” Mudavadi had said on departure to the UK last Monday.

The former deputy prime minister praised outgoing English envoy to Kenya Mike Turner for bolstering UK diplomatic ties with Kenya.

Mudavadi was accompanied by among others Grace Cerere, the Minister Counsellor in Kenya High Commission.

Meanwhile, the ANC party leader has condemned the culture of hooliganism that is spreading to the precincts of the courts, referring to the harassment of Senator Bonny Khalwale by ODM youth.

“It’s wrong to misuse youth to disrupt a court process. Courts like places of worship are sacrosanct. We are teaching youth bad manners to disobey the law in the long run. Soon, it will be a fee for all anarchy,” he said.

Asked to comment on the Senators threat to quit Cord, the ANC leader said; “To my brother Khalwale, I remind him that home is best. He’s being reminded he’s a gatecrasher and intruder”.

 Pic Caption; Mudavadi with Lord Steel in an earlier meeting