By KARANJA NJOROGE
President Kibaki has said the Government will intensify security in the country in view of recent grenade attacks in Nairobi and Mombasa.
Kibaki urged Kenyans to be extra vigilant and to volunteer any information on security threats to police.
The Head of State said peace and stability in Sudan, South Sudan and Somalia remain critical to the prosperity of the region.
The President, however, said following the restoration of peace in parts of Somali, the Government is looking forward to a voluntary return of thousands of refugees currently in camps within the country.
Kibaki said insurgents operating from Somali have posed a threat to peace and national security in the country.
“The Government will intensify border security while homeland security agents will scale up their operations to deal with any threats to our security,” Kibaki said.
Kibaki who was speaking during the commissioning of the Officers Cadets at the Kenya Military Academy Lanet, Nakuru lauded the defence forces saying they had successfully executed Operation Linda Nchi in the neighbouring Somalia..
He said the joint effort by the Kenya Defence Forces, the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia and the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) have resulted in the restoration of peace and stability in parts of Somali.
Kibaki appealed to the International Community to work closely with AMISOM to ensure that the remaining parts of Somalia are secured.
“The process of reconstructing Somali by building schools, hospital and opening up the country must begin in earnest. Those returning to their country after nearly 20 years in refugee camps will be part of that reconstruction process that Kenya supports,” he added.
On the Conflict in Sudan, the Head of State said Kenya is concerned about the developments in both South Sudan and Sudan.
Kibaki said Kenya as a guarantor of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement Kenya would like to see a speedy resolution to all outstanding issues.
“I once again urge the parties in the conflict to give dialogue a chance” he added.
He said the country armed forces are part of the activities of the East African Standby Brigade with a view to building capacity in conflict pre-emption and management.
“We will also be involved in regional security initiatives that facilitate peace and stability in our country and region,” Kibaki added.
He congratulated security forces for their high level of discipline and professionalism whenever they are called upon to be part of the international peace missions.
Among those who accompanied him were Defence Minister Yusuf Haji, Chief of Defence Forces General Julius Karangi, Defence ministry assistant Minister David Musalia and service commanders.
Others were Nakuru Town MP Lee Kinyanjui, Molo MP Joseph Kiuna and Subukia MP Nelson Gaichuhie.
