LAMU,Kenya,Feb, 4 – Vice Chief of the Defence Forces (VCDF) Lieutenant General Francis Ogolla visited Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) troops deployed in Operation Amani Boni (OAB) and those in Somalia under the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM).
The VCDF toured Burgavo in Somalia, Baure and Mangai Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) in Kenya where he addressed soldiers and briefly interacted with pupils of Mangai boarding primary school that was built by the KDF.
Addressing the troops, Lt Gen Ogolla thanked them for their sacrifice and service to humanity for the period they have been in Somalia and in Boni Forest.
The VCDF applauded the troops for engaging with local residents in their areas of operation through various Civil Military Cooperation activities, which he said, are critical in peace and development of such communities.
“KDF is aware of your spirited efforts of protecting the territorial integrity of the Republic of Kenya and promotion of regional peace and security. These efforts have contributed to reduced enemy activities. Our actions and successes here will safeguard a Kenya, devoid of fear of terror attacks,” said the VCDF.
He further noted that despite the complexity of the operating environment, the troops had remained motivated in carrying out their tasks in line with the AMISOM mandate.
He was accompanied by the General Officer Commanding Eastern Command (GOC EastCom), Major General Ayub Matiri and OAB Commander Colonel Meshack Kishoyian.
Kenya has been on a high alert following a wave of suspected terror atacks in Lamu, Wajir and Mandera.
On Wednesday, four people were killed after an improvised Explosive Device (IED) was detonated by suspected Al-Shabaab operatives in Andaki area in Wajir South.
According to preliminary reports, the incident occurred at around 11am.
The Land Cruiser vehicle the deceased were travelling in is said to have ran over the IED.
“It happened at Erga along Wajir-Gerile Road, Wajir South and not far from the porous Kenya-Somalia border,” said police.
The vehicle is said to have been ferrying foodstuff.
The latest incident comes just day after a 14 seater matatu was blown up in Mandera county.
10 people are said to have lost their lives in the attack after the vehicle that plied along the Arabia -Mandera road ran over an IED.
Several foreign embassies in the country have already issued travel advisories to their citizens amidst the wave of attacks.
Want to send us a story? Contact Shahidi News Tel: +254115512797 (Mobile & WhatsApp)
