Kenya's long, lonely and deadly march to Kismayu

Kenya Defence Forces bomb a suspected Al-Shabab position within Fafadun Township in Somali. [George Mulala |FIle Standard]

Seven years after Kenyan troops first had their boots on Somali territory, those on the frontline of what quickly morphed into a drawn out guerrilla war were left battered, but also with heads held high.

A string of quick successes that saw them gain ground, lending a much needed momentum against Al Shabaab. But a series of attacks on their bases, poor pay and what those interviewed termed as a money-making scheme by top military brass marred the mission for foot soldiers.