Kibaki says Operation Linda Nchi is a big success
President Kibaki on Wednesday declared Operation Linda Nchi in Somalia a success despite the persistent threats posed by Al-Shabaab and other militant groups.
He said that security had been intensified along the borders and inside the country.
However, he urged Kenyans to be vigilant following the spate of grenade attacks in Nairobi and Mombasa.
Speaking during the pass-out parade for military cadets at the Kenya Military Academy at Lanet in Nakuru, the President also urged Kenyans to cooperate with security forces by volunteering information on security threats.
“The officers are joining the ranks at a time when we are faced with security threats emanating especially from insurgents operating in Somalia. The insurgents have posed a threat to our peace and national security,” he said.
To be extra vigilant
“I call upon Kenyans to be extra vigilant and to supplement the good work of our security forces… this way, we shall be able to successfully contain any security threats,” he added.
With the security threats posed by the instability in Somalia and the current standoff between Sudan and South Sudan, the President called on the international community to intervene.
He said that the developments in Sudan and South Sudan were of great concern to Kenya.
He also called on the feuding parties to embrace peace and dialogue.
As a guarantor of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, the President said, Kenya would like to see a speedy resolution to all outstanding issues.
He added that Kenyan soldiers had carried themselves in a professional and disciplined manner in the peace operations they have been involved in.
He noted that the Kenya Defence Forces currently in Somalia were doing a good a job adding that a large portion of the war-torn country had been freed from the grip of Al-Shabaab.
According to him, Somalia refugees living in Kenya were now free to go back to their country and start reconstructing their nation.
“We look forward to a voluntary return of the thousands of Somalia refugees currently in camps within our country,” he said.
The process of reconstructing Somalia by building schools, hospitals and opening up the country must begin in earnest, the President said.
He appealed on the international community to work closely with the African Union Mission in Somalia (Amisom) in order to secure the remaining parts of Somalia.
The President said that Kenya would continue offering troops during peace missions and get involved in regional security initiatives that facilitate peace and stability for Kenya and its neighbours.
