Why KDF must stay in Somalia and fight Al Shabaab

Calls for KDF troops to withdraw from Somalia are misplaced. They also defeat the purpose for which Kenya began the mission back in 2011. First, KDF are in Somalia because we need to stop Al Shabaab attacks in Kenya once and for all. There is no way we can remain secure when terrorists have a safe haven in the neighbouring country. Secondly, Al Shabaab claim North Eastern is part of Somalia that‘s why they keep attacking officers deployed to the region. Hence our troops have to secure our border and ensure peace in the region.

Lastly, the moment we withdraw troops from Somalia it will be a clear indication that we have lost to terrorism. We must appreciate what our brave men and women have done to make Kenya safe. We should stop affirming the notion that “Americans left who are we to stay.“ We have been hosting Somalia refugees and the government for a very long time making us susceptible to attacks from Al Shabaab than any other country in the world.