Presidents Mohamoud, Buhari and Kenyatta at the Memorial of Fallen Soldiers at the 9th Kenya Rifles, Moi Barracks in Eldoret. Photo/ PSCU
NAIROBI, Kenya, Jan 27- Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari and his counterpart from Somalia Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on Wednesday pledged unity with Kenya in the war against terror.
When they attended the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) memorial at Moi Barracks in Eldoret, the two leaders condemned the recent attack on Kenyan soldiers in Somalia but urged Kenya and the region to join hands in fighting terror.
The Nigerian President, who said that he had received the news of the attack “with anguish and pain”, said terrorist must not be allowed to continue “to inflict pain and misery on innocent civilian and security personnel alike.”
Nigeria has had it ‘painful share’ resulting from Boko Haram terrorist.
He said the tactics must be reviewed since terror groups continue to adopt sophisticated weaponry and measures in executing their plans.
“We must all arise against the culture of intolerance, hatred and extremist ideologies which drive terrorism. We must also be firm against radicalization,” he appealed.
“Nigeria stands in solidarity and it is willing to stand with Kenya and indeed with other African countries and the global colleagues at large with a view to defeating these elements.”
He noted the war on terror requires commitment, sacrifice, resources and collaboration among nations.
“Mr. President, My fellow Kenyans, I have just come to deliver to you one message; I cannot express in words the role of KDF inside Somalia. All I can say is, Thank You Kenya,” were the words of Somalia President in honour of Kenya’s fallen soldiers.
He expressed optimism that Al-Shabaab was losing ground adding that, “Kenyans will remain and the Al-Shabaab will end and they will end soon.”
The Kenya Defence Forces working under AMISOM continues to fight the militia who had controlled key areas in Somalia for decades before the entry of the soldiers.
He recounted how after the fateful day when Kenyan soldiers were attacked, the Al-Shabaab also attacked Somali nationals who were celebrating a graduation ceremony.
“Among them was a mother who was fully dressed in line with the Islamic principles and had a 2- year-old kid. That mother was killed and the baby was killed,” he remorsefully said cautioning that,” this is the kind of enemy we are facing today. We will defeat them.”
President Uhuru Kenyatta, who led the memorial ceremony, applauded the Kenya Defence Forces, for their continued bravery in fighting terror.
“Regrettably, many paid the ultimate price and this is heart breaking,” he said while urging Kenyans, “never to forget their sacrifices.”
“We must make sure that every single one of those cowards who murdered them will be hunted down and brought to justice for our soldiers’ blood will not be shed in vain.”
He said the war on terror requires a global approach while noting the numerous attacks Nigeria has also continued to face from Boko Haram.
“This should only strengthen our solidarity and commitment to defeat the enemy,” he said.
He also honored the National Police Service for the role they have played in fighting terror.
Deputy President William Ruto on his part said the attack on the Kenyan soldiers has only revitalized the country resolve in the war against terror.
Chief of Defence Forces General Samson Mwathethe said Al-Shabaab must be fought since they are not only the enemy of peace in Kenya but also in the region.
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