If you can’t reach your loved ones in Somalia, call these numbers

Chief of Defence Forces Gen Samson Mwathethe

The Department of Defence Monday circulated mobile phone numbers that relatives and friends who cannot reach their kin in Somalia can call.

Chief of Defence Forces Gen Samson Mwathethe said counselling centres had been opened in Eldoret, Gilgil barracks and Forces Memorial Hospital in Nairobi to manage crisis following the terror attack on a Kenya Defence Forces camp in El-Adde, Somalia.

Those whose kin were at Defence headquarters can call 0792780962, Defence Forces Memorial Hospital 0792780863, Gilgil 0792780864 and Eldoret 0792780865. The help lines will be open 24 hours a day.

The centres continued to receive many people seeking to know the fate of their loved ones.

The number of the soldiers killed in the attack is yet to be established. The KDF recovery and rescue team managed to arrive at the site Monday morning.

So far more than 30 soldiers have been rescued and flown to Nairobi.

Several soldiers are still running for their safety and few are thought to be in the hands of the terrorists as prisoners of war.

Gen Mwathethe said Al-Shabaab is now evolving and competing for space but added that would not undermine their operational and combat capability.

"For the brave men and women of KDF, as we stand for our core values and maintain our vision and mission, I comment you for fighting spirit and professionalism you have displayed. Let us keep the momentum," he said.