Nkaissery warns over sharing photos of slain soldiers

What you need to know:

  • Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph Nkaissery said he has directed the Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinett to take action against the perpetrators within the country whether a citizen or a foreign
  • The CS did not give out the number of the soldiers who died during the attack saying the figures will be released once the operation against the terrorists is finalised and a report is done.

The government will take legal action against individuals sharing photos of Kenya Defence Forces soldiers who died following an attack by Al-Shabaab on their camp at El Adde in Gedo, Somalia.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph Nkaissery said he has directed the Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinett to take action against the perpetrators within the country whether a citizen or a foreigner.

“We have noted with great concern that there are unpatriotic characters who are still keen on amplifying the terrorist agenda through sharing of photos and sympathising with the terrorists in such times of our nation’s loss,” said Mr Nkaissery.

Addressing journalists at Serena Beach Hotel, the CS said they have cautioned against sharing photos of the dead saying it encourages the enemy and brings sorrow to those who have lost their loved ones.

“We are reviewing circulation of the same (images) and we shall ensure action is taken according to the law,” said Mr Nkaiserry who singled out four individuals who are trending the photos.

The CS did not give out the number of the soldiers who died during the attack saying the figures will be released once the operation against the terrorists is finalised and a report is done.

The CS who was not specific on when the report will be released only saying “anytime soon” assured Kenyans that the country’s borders were secure.

Mr Nkaiserry said the Al-Shabaab terrorist group lost many of its fighters compared to KDF who are serving under African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM).

He added that the injured soldiers have already been evacuated back into the country and was optimistic that the country will win the war.

President Uhuru Kenyatta, the Commander-in-Chief of the defence forces, saluted the Kenyan troops who were killed in combat, saying they did not die in vain, because they were protecting Kenya from her enemies.
“Regrettably, some of our patriots in uniform paid the ultimate price. It is heart-breaking,” said the President in a statement.
During the launch of the street lighting program in Mombasa on Friday evening, the President led hundreds of residents in observing a minute of silence in honour of the fallen soldiers.