By STANDARD DIGITAL REPORTER
Nairobi; Kenya: Defence Cabinet Secretary Reychelle Omamo has defended the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) role in the Westgate siege rescue operation.
In a statement to media houses the Cabinet Secretary has also dispelled allegations of unprofessional conduct by the soldiers during the four day siege.
Omamo has defended the participation of the army in the operation adding that although internal operations are supposed to be handled by the Ministry of Interior and Coordination of National Government, the constitution obliges KDF to cooperate with other authorities in situations of emergency and disasters.
“The terror attack at Westgate Mall was one such situation that necessitated KDF action in internal operations.”
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In light of claims that some soldier who participated in the rescue engaged in misconducts such as looting and drinking alcohol, Omamo say such accusations were unlikely.
“It should be noted that KDF came to this operation with a history of outstanding performance in both internal and external operations” said Omamo adding that the soldiers’ conduct was guided by International Standard Operating Procedures.
The Cabinet Secretary is now calling on the public to avail concrete information and evidence pointing to any unprofessional conduct by KDF.
Omamo further promised that “All KDF personnel found culpable will be firmly dealt with according to the Law”.
