'Kenya Defence Forces troops must revenge Al Shabaab attack within 48 hours'

Leader of Majority Aden Duale during a press conference at Eastleigh on 16/1/16 [Photo:BEVERLYNE MUSILI/Standard]

Political leaders from the Somali community have called on Kenyan troops in Somalia to revenge for the Al Shabaab attack within 48 hours.

Led by National Assembly Majority Leader Aden Duale, the leaders condemned the Friday dawn attack by Al Shabaab militants that left scores of Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) soldiers dead and others seriously wounded.

Abdirahman Ali Hassan (Wajir, Senate), Yusuf Hassan (Kamukunji) and Mohamed Yussuf Haji (Garissa, Senate) said the country will not be cowed by such acts, stating that Kenya will not withdraw soldiers until peace is restored in the war-torn country.

Speaking at Eastleigh, the leaders called on Kenyans to rally behind the KDF troops and support the government’s peace mission in Somalia.

“Our forces must revenge in the next 48 hours. We want to make it clear that Kenya will not leave Somalia until peace is restored,” said Mr Duale.

He said KDF troops will continue to secure Kenya’s borders and restore peace in Somalia that has experienced war for more than a decade now.

“We stand with Somalia President and we will continue supporting his government until peace is restored,” he said, adding that Kenya stands with its “gallant soldiers in Somalia.”

Garissa Senator Yusuf Haji, who was the Minister of Defence when KDF was deployed to Somalia, expressed his deep condolences to the families of the killed soldiers. The Wajir Senator said the African Union Mission in Somalia (Amisom) requires the support of all stakeholders including the international community to succeed.

In a statement, the UN also condemned the attack on Amisom troops, and called for measures to prevent the financing of Al Shabaab and other terrorist groups in Somalia.

Members of UN Security Council expressed their deep sympathy and condolences to the families of the victims and affirmed their support in reducing threats posed by terror groups in Somalia.

“The members of the Security Council condemned in the strongest terms the attack on January 15 perpetrated by Al Shabaab in El-Ade, Somalia, which has resulted in a number of deaths and injuries,” read part of the statement issued by the Council President Elbio Rosselli.

The Council reaffirmed that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security.

“The members of the Security Council reiterated that any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, wherever, whenever and by whomsoever committed,” stated the council.

The sentiments were echoed by President Uhuru Kenyatta who said, “We will not be cowed by these cowards. With our allies, we will continue in Somalia to fulfill our mission. We will hunt down the criminals involved in today’s events (Friday). Our soldiers’ blood will not be shed in vain.”

They Council emphasised their full support to Amisom in delivering their mandate aimed at reducing the “threat posed by the terror group Al Shabaab and armed opposition groups in Somalia.

The UN further expressed their gratitude for bravery and sacrifices made by soldiers under Amisom in discharging their duties.

The council emphasized the need to bring perpetrators, organisers, financiers and sponsors of terrorism to justice.

“The members of the Security Council stressed that those responsible for these killings should be held accountable, and urged all States, in accordance with their obligations under international law and relevant Security Council resolutions, to cooperate actively with all relevant authorities in this regard,” the UN said.

The council restated its support and determination in restoring peace and declared that nothing will weaken its resolve.

And the Somalia government in a message sent through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the attack was unforgivable. “The Government and the People of the Federal Republic of Somalia condemn the heinous and unforgivable attack on the Amisom soldiers by the terrorist group Al Shabaab at their El-Ade base. We especially recognise and share the painful loss of the people and Government of Kenya whose sons and daughters in uniform bravely came to return hope and stability to Somalia. We salute the KDF for their efforts and mourn their loss.”

Other political leaders who sent their messages of condolences include former Prime Minister Raila Odinga who said,”It is my hope that the world will stand with Kenya and offer all necessary support now and into the future as we take our place in the necessary but costly war against global terrorism.”

Former Gatanga MP Peter Kenneth condemned the attack saying “These brave individuals gave their lives to defend the Kenyan flag, the Kenyan people and our Republic and they have my eternal respect and gratitude as a proud citizen of this country,” said Kenneth.

Senator Moses Wetangula said the service offered by the fallen heroes should never be forgotten. “I condemn this atrocious, barbaric and savage criminal act in the strongest terms possible. As we mark this terrible loss of life, we are reminded of the sacrifice our brave men and women make each and every day to ensure our peace, security and freedom,” said Mr Wetangula.