President urges Somalis to restore lasting peace

President Kibaki has asked the people of Somalia to take advantage of the operation against Al-Shabaab to establish long-term stability in their country.

President Kibaki asked the Somalis to reclaim their country and speak out against the fundamentalist militia group that has controlled much of southern Somalia since 2006.

“The people of Somalia scattered all over the world must take a collective position and reject those behind the problems in their country,” President Kibaki said in his Jamhuri Day speech.

“Kenya stands ready to walk this journey with the people and Government of Somalia that will see the dawn of a bright day of hope for them,” he added.

The President was speaking at Nyayo Stadium during celebrations to mark 48 years since Kenya gained independence.

There were also special prayers for the KDF and the success of the operation against Al-Shabaab. (READ: Police launch crackdown following explosions in northern Kenya)

Stability in Somalia would restore its status in the global family of nations, and President Kibaki said the current efforts would provide this opportunity.

The length of the anarchy in Somalia means there are generations that have known no peace and children who were born and brought up in camps such as Dadaab in North Eastern Province. (READ: Kenya to host refugees for longer)

The Kenya Defence Forces are working with the soldiers from the Transitional Federal Government, who had failed in previous attempts to get rid of Al-Shabaab.

Prime Minister Raila Odinga said Kenya would help the TFG install proper governance in the areas now under their control with the assistance of KDF.