This archive report was first published on 22 December 2019.
On Christmas and New Year's Eve, General Samson Mwathethe, the Chief of Defence Forces, led a delegation of top-ranking security officers to Somalia to visit Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) serving in the Africa Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM). The mission aimed to assess the progress of peace efforts and strengthen bonds with the officers during the festivities.
During his visit to Kuday Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Badhadhe District, Lower Juba in Somalia, General Mwathethe praised the soldiers for their dedication, which he said had yielded the fruits of peace and normalcy.
"I have come here today to bring Christmas and New Year greetings, first from our Commander-In-Chief, His Excellency President Uhuru Kenyatta and also from KDF fraternity at home. They are proud of you and of the successes you have achieved during your tour of duty," General Mwathethe said.
He assured the soldiers that they were not forgotten and that the government was fully attentive to ensuring their wellbeing. "Even when you are here, we want you to know that we are thinking of you, we can never forget you. We wish you well and success in the execution of your mandate in Somalia," General Mwathethe said.
General Mwathethe emphasized the importance of Kenya's efforts in joining the fight against the terrorist group Al-Shabaab in Somalia, stating that it was the only way to secure Kenya's borders and eliminate terrorist activities within her realms.
"We are in Somalia because we know that if Somalia is free of Al Shabaab and terrorism, Kenya will also be free of the scourge. We must, therefore, ensure that we destroy the enemy here, to guarantee the destruction of the enemy at home. Our actions and successes here will safeguard a Kenya, devoid of fear of terror attacks that have from time to time been launched at home," he said.
General Mwathethe also commended the KDF soldiers for their good relations with the local population, stating that their presence had changed the lives of the local population for the better.
"I am thankful that you continue to have good relations with the local population. I know they thank God for your presence here; you have assisted in building schools and improved existing infrastructure and medical care for them. This is commendable," the CDF said.
