New Kenyan army chief visits troops battling Al-Shabaab in Somalia

KISMAYO, Somalia - Lt. General David Ketter, the newly appointed Kenya Army commander,  visited the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) troops serving in the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), during his maiden trip to the Horn of Africa nation.

Ketter, who until his promotion served as Assistant Chief of Defence Forces in charge of Logistics and Personnel,  replaced Lt. General David Tarus, who moved to the National Defense University — Kenya, a premier institution shaping the careers of military officers. 

As a tradition, Ketter's trip to Somalia was mainly for familiarisation and motivational purposes and mainly targets KDF troops on the frontlines. There is a heavy presence of Kenyan troops within the Jubaland state in Somalia. 

"Newly appointed Kenyan Army Commander Lt. Gen. David Keter visited AUSSOM KDF troops in Somalia on Friday to assess operations and boost troops' morale," the mission reported on its official X handle. 

Received by Sector II Commander Brig. Edward Banda and Deputy Commander Col. Samson Kenga, the delegation visited key bases in Dhobley, Afmadhow, and Kismayo, where they interacted with the service personnel serving on the frontlines.  

During the trip, he thanked the KDF troops for their commitment in the fight against Al-Shabaab militants,  who have been significantly degraded within Jubaland state, which serves as Kenya's buffer zone in the fight against the militants.  

"Lt. Gen. Keter underscored the mission’s role in degrading Al-Shabaab, stabilising liberated areas, and strengthening Somali forces for national security. "Brig. Banda welcomed the visit as timely and morale-boosting, reaffirming Sector II’s commitment to the mission."

KDF troops first entered Somalia in 2011 under Operation Linda Nchi, but they progressively transitioned to Amisom, which has since changed to AUSSOM.  The number of troops is being downsized under the Somali Transition Plan. 

GAROWE ONLINE