Shabaab 'losing foothold' in Kenya
Department of Defence's Colonel Cyrus Oguna during a status briefing on the 'Operation Linda Nchi' at the Foreign Affairs Ministry, Nairobi November 12, 2011. The Somalia militia Al-Shabaab is fast losing its grip in Kenya following crucial information in the hands of the police. WILLIAM OERI
The Somalia militia Al-Shabaab is fast losing its grip in Kenya following crucial information in the hands of the police.
Police spokesman Eric Kiraithe said the government has granted amnesty to at least 30 Al-Shabaab who have "responded well" and given useful information.
"The Al-Shabaab is losing its foothold in Kenya very fast. Our increased surveillance has neutralised Shabaab activities," Mr Kiraithe said during a status briefing on Kenya's operation in Somalia at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nairobi Saturday.
He said those granted amnesty who include refugees had helped "secure this country" and asked the public to remain vigilant.
"They (Al-Shabaab) are a primitive group who can strike anytime. Police are on high alert and we ask the public to be vigilant."
The military said it was dealing with two issues inside Somalia: pacification of areas under its control and providing humanitarian assistance to Somalis.
"Pacification is tedious, time-consuming and painstaking. We are going door-to-door and Al-Shabaab elements hiding in houses are not easily identified," said Colonel Cyrus Oguna.
He said Kenyan troops were providing food and water to Somalis affected by the "Operation Linda Nchi" inside the war torn country and that the country welcomes support in the form of food, medicine and clothing that will go to the Somali people.
Colonel Oguna said that Kenya had suffered five deaths and a "couple" of injuries as it pursues the ragtag outfit.
"There is no war that does not have casualties. Kenya has to be prepared to lose some people. Al Shabaab casualties run to several hundreds."
He said contrary to media reports, the army had not imposed a no-fly zone in Baidoa but had warned that any aircraft overflying Kenyan territory without clearance would be dealt with.
A representative from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the country was seeking the support of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and the Arab world in its confrontation with Al-Shabaab.
Lindsay Kiptiness, an assistant director in the Ministry, said a delegation from Djibouti is expected in the country soon for talks over the operation.
