Kenyan soldiers rewarded for heroic actions at Manda base attack

Col Daniel Rotich, being awarded by US AFRICOM Director of Operations Maj Gen Gregory Anderson on March 17

NAIROBI, Kenya - The United States has rewarded three Kenya Defense Forces [KDF] servicemen for the critical role they played when Al-shabaab militants attacked as Naval Base at Manda Bay in Kenya on January 5th, 2020.

The attack left three US nationals dead as Al-shabaab claimed responsibility. During the attack, the US soldiers and those from the KDF repulsed the militants, killing five of the attackers while others managed to flee to Somalia.

They were awarded the Joint Service Commendation medals. Major General Gregory Anderson of US Africa Command awarded Col. Daniel Rotich, Major Martin Muthaura and Corporal Peter Shikuri for their response during the attack at Camp Simba in Manda Bay.

Camp Simba, where US military operates from within Kenya, hosts both the US military and those from KDF. The attack left a KDF soldiers seriously injured but would later be treated at Forces Memorial Hospital.

During that time, Col. Rotich was Deputy Commander of Operation Fagia Msitu, was recognized for proper coordination at the time of the attack.

He was responsible for the McDonnel Douglas 500 Defender helicopter mini-gun engagements that changed the momentum of the firefight between US and KDF against the terrorists.

"Colonel Rotich's superior leadership, technical and tactical abilities, coupled with his dedication to duty and selfless service were critical in the defeat of a platoon size element of the terrorists," his citation read in part.

For Major Muthaura, who was the Alpha Company commander of the Ranger Regiment, was rewarded for assembling a platoon-size of his troops, who helped the US army during the attack.

According to report issued by the Department of Defense, he took another squad which swiftly surrounded the base and helped counter the militants who were almost running over Camp Simba. They forced the militants to flee.

"Major Muthaura's superior leadership, courage under fire and dedication to duty were critical in the defeat of the terrorists who attacked the airfield at Manda," the report reads.

Corporal Shikuri was awarded for his dedication to duty and determination to prevail against the enemy. He continued to fight the enemy even after he was critically wounded.

Maj Gen Anderson thanked the three warriors for their, team work, value and confidence which were instrumental in fighting the militia during the attack.

"You kept yourself on the frontline to protect others and save your nation. This is indeed commendable and we thank you for your courage and bravery," Anderson said.

This came as an investigations found poor leadership, inadequate training and a "culture of complacency" among US forces undermined efforts to fend off the attack.

Al-shabaab later released names of people who participated in the attack and confirmed five of them, mostly foreign nationals, were killed. The US went on to deploy more troops to Camp Simba, some who were withdrawn from Somalia.

GAROWE ONLINE