Why Uhuru Could Not Receive Fallen KDF Soldiers

President Uhuru Kenyatta has been under attack from the Opposition and Kenyans across the country for failing to receive bodies of fallen Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) soldiers at Wilson Airport, Nairobi, on Monday.

While addressing the matter, State House Spokesperson Manoah Esipisu said the presence of the Head of State at the airport would have been a form of celebration of the heinious attack which claimed lives of officers in the line of duty.

“As we celebrate the lives of our fallen heroes, our military command has made it clear that ceremonies that allow criminals to celebrate their hideous acts add no value to the KDF morale,” said Mr Espisu on Thursday at a press conference.

He further said President Kenyatta decided not to attend the ceremony after consultation with military heads who advised him against it.

According to sources that spoke to the Star, his presence would have been used in a propaganda campaign to glorify Al Shabaab.

Kenyans had earlier expressed their outrage on the matter with many comparing President Kenyatta with US President Barack Obama who had previously honoured fallen US troops by receiving them at the airport. Mr Esipisu, however, affirmed that the President was aware of the state of affairs in the country.

“We are in an active state of war. Our troops are engaged in combat...The situation is between the military and the Commander-in-Chief,” Mr Esipisu said.

State House also confirmed on Thursday that President Kenyatta will be visiting the Armed Forces Memorial Hospital on Friday, to meet with the injured troops and their families; including of the slain soldiers. Later on, the President shall give an address that will be attended by several state officials, African Union leaders and United Nation officials among others.

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