Duale: Locals must work with KDF in defeating Al-Shabaab in Kenya

LAMU - Kenya's Defence Minister Aden Duale maintains that the local community has a huge role in degrading Al-Shabaab militants, noting that their close collaboration with the Kenya Defense Forces [KDF] will make it easier for the country to defeat Al-Shabaab in Lamu and Northern Frontier Districts [NFD].

While acknowledging contributions by locals during his visit to Lamu, Duale said the government will continue investing in economically viable activities in Northeastern Kenya and Lamu, adding that locals have a responsibility to guard key infrastructural development projects in the area.

At Lamu, Duale held a meeting with community leaders, locals, and elected leaders, led by Governor Issa Timamy. The Defence Minister insisted that KDF is determined to eliminate Al-Shabaab militants from the county, arguing that Operation Amani Boni is yielding fruits.

The Cabinet Secretary reiterated that it was high time the region reclaimed its former glory as a leading tourism destination among Kenya’s neighbouring countries and a key contributor to the economic growth of our country.

“The Government has made a serious investment in the region including the Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia Transport [LAPSSET] Corridor which calls for concerted efforts from all of us to protect this critical investment, life and property of the locals. The CS said

“This area used to attract tourism in the past but we’re going to upscale the security situation to ensure this critical sector contributes to the growth of our economy,” He added.

He reaffirmed that, as a major component in the security infrastructure in the country, KDF remains steadfast in discharging its primary mandate of defending and protecting the Republic of Kenya against any external aggression and at the same time collaborating with other security agencies to protect the lives of the citizens, residents of Kenya and their property, KDF reports.

“We look upon the community to share with us important information and intelligence to enable us to destabilize the networks of the enemy and forestall any further attacks from armed militias. We are going to hunt down the terrorists as well as their collaborators.” Hon Duale said.

Some of those accompanying Duale on the working tour were General Officer Commanding Eastern Command GOC [EastComm] Major General Juma Mwinyikayi, Base Commander of Manda Base Brigadier Ng’ang’a, National Government Administration Officers [NGAO] and elected leaders from the county.

GAROWE ONLINE