Uhuru says claims against KDF 'ridiculous', assures support
President Uhuru Kenyatta at a past event. He has assured the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) and other security agencies of support in their work. PHOTO | JEFF ANGOTE | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
- The President termed the allegations the Kenyan troops in Somalia were collaborating with Al-Shabaab in the illegal charcoal and sugar trade, as “most ridiculous and misplaced”.
- He added: “That is why we insist that our military and other Kenyan security agents must be given room to carry out their work without political interference.
- President Kenyatta also took issue with people criticising the government for borrowing money to implement key development projects.
President Uhuru Kenyatta has assured the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) and other security agencies of support in their work.
He said it was unfortunate there were some Kenyan leaders who had joined a bandwagon of those criticising the security agents, instead of encouraging in protecting the country.
The President termed the allegations the Kenyan troops in Somalia were collaborating with Al-Shabaab in the illegal charcoal and sugar trade, as “most ridiculous and misplaced”.
“Instead of commending our security forces who are making major sacrifices to defend and guard the country against terrorists, some Kenyan leaders are discouraging them by supporting the misplaced allegations,” the President said.
The President, who was accompanied by Deputy President William Ruto, spoke on Saturday in Bungoma where he opened the Lwakhakha Border Post and launched the Lwakhakha-Sirisia-Chwele road, as he started his three-day visit of the western and North Rift regions.
‘STAND FIRM’
“We will stand firm with our security agents because we know the important role they play in keeping our country safe.
“You saw what happened in Paris where more than 150 people were killed by terrorists. Would you like us to allow these people to move freely in our country and harm us? Of course not,” the President said.
He added: “That is why we insist that our military and other Kenyan security agents must be given room to carry out their work without political interference.”
The Head of State said Kenyans were fully behind the KDF and would not allow criminals to kill innocent people.
He urged citizens to report to the authorities any suspicious persons.
BORROWING FUNDS
President Kenyatta also took issue with people criticising the government for borrowing money to implement key development projects.
He said the government’s development project would not be derailed by people who do everything they can – including denying Kenyans essential services – to gain political mileage.
President Kenyatta was accompanied on the tour by Bungoma leaders, led by Governor Kenneth Lusaka, who assured him of their support.
