Governor Wycliffe Oparanya wants KDF withdrawn from Somalia

Governor Wycliffe Oparanya condemned recent attack on KDF camp at Kulbiyow. (Photo: Courtesy)

Leaders from Kakamega have called for withdrawal of Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) from Somalia.

Governor Wycliffe Oparanya condemned the recent attack on KDF camp at Kulbiyow in Somalia saying it is time for the troops to leave Somalia.

He said Kenya has lost many soldiers since its invasion in Somalia to fight Al-Shabaab militia.

"I support withdrawal of KDF from Somalia. We have lost many soldiers and we cannot allow this to continue," said Oparanya.

He asked the Government to develop a strategy to withdraw the troops to guard the border.

"I send my condolences to the bereaved families. We have to get a mechanism of how our soldiers will get out of Somalia to guard our people along the border," he said.

He said the soldiers already completed their mission in the foreign country.

Oparanya's sentiments echo that of CORD leader Raila Odinga and other Opposition leaders to have the troops 'leave' Somalia.

However, Mumias East MP Benjamin Washiali asked Raila and the Opposition to marshal support of their MPs to petition the National Assembly to have the soldiers withdrawn.

"The decision to invade Somalia was approved by the National Assembly, Opposition should use their MPs to bring the proposal to the National Assembly to have the troops withdrawn. The decision is not one man move," said Washiali.

He said unless Somalia is safe, Kenyans will continue to be attacked by the terror group.

"Kenyans will be insecure if Somalia is not safe. We have to use the right channels to handle the matter so that our people are secured," he said.