We salute our fallen soldiers for selflessly defending Kenya

I express my deepest, heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of the Kenyan soldiers killed by Al Shabaab terrorists at their base in Somalia.

The soldiers’ death on duty is by no means a sign of defeat. Contrary to what the enemy would wish the Kenyan public to believe, the death of our heroes was an act of bravery and true nationalism. No greater love can a person enlisted in our esteemed forces demonstrate than to lay down his/her life defending the nation.

At such a moment we share with the affected families their sorrow and pray to God to give them comfort. No amount of words may better console the heartbroken fathers, mothers, wives, husbands or children whose parents paid the ultimate prize while fighting for the good of others

The death of our soldiers should not be in vain. As a nation, may we resolve that we shall not fret or be coerced to believe the propaganda by Al Shabaab that they can operate at will.

The truth on the ground is that the Kenyan forces have wrecked Al Shabaab and weakened their positions besides taking control of their major bases. What we have just witnessed are the last kicks of a dying horse. May our resolution remain firm that as nation we shall not abandon Somalia until this fragile and troubled nation can stand on its own.

This is the goal of humanity and it has been sealed by the blood of our own sons and daughters who not only heard the raging bullets hit their target but with bravery formed a united front and faced the enemy inflicting greater casualty on them as well.

The death of our soldiers at El Adde is an indication that Kenya is a committed international partner in bringing stability not only in the troubled horn of Africa but the entire region at large. God bless the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF).