Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Francis Ogolla and Interior Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kithure Kindiki have upscaled security operations within and outside Kenyan borders due to a surge in terrorist attacks in the country.
The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) and police officers have been put under high alert after suspected Al-Shabaab terrorists attacked a village in Lamu County killing five on Sunday, June 25.
CDF Ogolla and CS Kindiki are leading separate troops but with a common goal of keeping Kenyans safe.
Ogolla on Monday, June 3, paid a visit to KDF soldiers operating under the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) to assess their preparedness to combat the Al-Shabaab militia.
It was reported that the visit was meant as a morale boost to the gallant soldiers ahead of a major operation against the Al-Shabaab terror group.
A day after Ogolla’s trip to Somalia, Kindiki visited Wajir, Mandera and Garissa Counties where he detailed his plan to use high-tech systems to root out terrorists and extremists from the country.
“The government shall defeat Al-Shabaab and all violent extremists who continue to threaten our national security and destabilise communities in North Eastern Kenya,” Kindiki vowed.
To make the mission a success, Kindiki revealed that plans were at an advanced stage to procure modern equipment, including choppers, drones, Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles (MRAPs), and Armoured Personnel Carrier vehicles (APCs).
The CS explained that the Interior Ministry had upscaled partnerships with the local communities living across the Kenya-Somalia border to flush out criminal elements and violent extremists.
While the CS was focused on keeping peace within Kenya, Ogolla made sure that Al-Shabaab terrorists were suppressed in Somalia.
“Security awareness and alertness is key in the mission area. I urge you to remain alert and mission ready.
“Perform your duties in, positivity, high spirits, discipline, and courage in countering the enemy’s efforts,” CDF Ogolla reminded KDF soldiers of their mission in Somalia.
After the Lamu attack, Harrison Njuguna, the Lamu West Sub-County Police Commander, revealed that the government was exploring the possibility that the incident could be terror-related.
On Saturday, June 24, President William Ruto reiterated that Kenya would eliminate terror threats in the country.
“We have to confront the challenges of Al-Shabaab. We intend and have every chance to defeat the terror group,” the President stated.
