Defence CS Raychelle Omamo visits KDF soldiers (Photos)

Cabinet Secretary for Defence Amb. Raychelle Omamo addresses Kenya Defence Forces Soldiers at Hulugho Military Camp during her visit.

Defence Cabinet Secretary Amb. Raychelle Omamo and Chief of the Defence Forces General Samson Mwathethe visited KDF troops serving in various Operation Bases.

Ambassador Omamo and General Mwathethe who made Christmas Eve visits to military camps in Manda, Hulugho and Kolbiyow noted that it was because of the soldiers’ dedication to duty that Kenya was safe.

Cabinet Secretary for Defence Amb. Raychelle Omamo shares a light moment with the Kenya Defence Forces Soldiers during a visit at Hulugho Military Camp.

“I have come here to be with you and to share the spirit of this season with you, exceptional brave men and women. I want to let you know you are appreciated and that Kenyans are proud of you. We appreciate that you have stood firm and fought off threats to our motherland and stood firm, even in the face of great challenges. We thank you for the sacrifices you have made, even beyond the call of duty,” Amb Omamo said.

Cabinet Secretary for Defence Amb. Raychelle Omamo, Chief of the Defence Forces General Samsom Mwathethe, Assistant Chief of Defence Forces Operation Training and Doctrine (ACDF OPD &T) Major General Adan Mulata and Senior Military Officers tour the Kulbiyow Military Camp in Somali during the visit.

Omamo added that she also wanted to see and experience the soldiers’ everyday life in order to find out how she can better support the soldiers.

“I wanted to see your faces, listen to you and your Commanders, to enable us to support you in the successful execution of your mandate here. Because of your diligence, you exemplify the heart of Kenya.  You are symbols of all that is worthwhile in our country. You have successfully stood firm as the shield of Kenya, and for that i thank you” she said.

Kenya Defence Force Soldiers during the visit.

The Cabinet Secretary also honored heroes who had paid the ultimate price in the service to the Nation, saying that their sacrifice was not in vain. She wished the troops and their families back home a merry Christmas and a happy 2019.

Chief of the Defence Forces General Samsom Mwathethe addresses Kenya Defence Forces soldiers at the Kenya Navy Base Manda.

General Mwathethe conveyed Christmas greetings from the Commander-in-Chief, President Uhuru Kenyatta.

“Your being here will enable Kenyans to enjoy their Christmas and New Year festivities since they know that you are standing guard, ensuring the country is safe.” he said.

He thanked the soldiers for ensuring that Kenyans went about their daily lives in peace and recognized the sacrifices made by KDF families.

Chief of the Defence Forces General Samsom Mwathethe shake hands with Kenya Defence Force Soldiers at Hulugho Military Camp.

“Let me thank your families at home for the great sacrifices they make, being apart from you, especially at this festive time,” the CDF said.

The CDF said that the government was aware of and addressing the challenges faced by the soldiers in ensuring the country is safe.

“Through modernization programs, the government has been constantly improving your capabilities in order to ensure that you surmount any challenge that may come your way and that your needs are met. I thank Service Commanders who have been at the forefront in making sure that you have what you need,” he said.

Chief of the Defence Forces General Samsom Mwathethe shake hands with Kenya Defence Force Soldiers at Hulugho Military Camp.

He likened soldiers to a club that is used to kill a snake.

“It is easier to kill a snake outside the house, before it gets in. Once it is in the house the problem is compounded. You are the club who strikes the serpent’s head thereby helping the country to keep away bad elements, who if allowed, will harm us from within,” he added.  

The CDF joined the CS in paying glowing tribute to those who had paid the ultimate price in defence of the Nation. He also prayed for those recuperating to get well soon.

Kenya Defence Force Soldiers give the three cheers salute to the Cabinet Secretary for Defence Amb. Raychelle Omamo during the visit.