Defence Cabinet Secretary Raychelle Omamo and Chief of the Defence Forces Gen. Samson Mwathathe on Monday surprised Kenyan troops in Somalia by visiting them.
The two visited different camps to thank KDF officers for their hard work in fighting Al Shabaab. They visited Manda, Hulugho and Kolbiyow military camps.
“I have come here to be with you and to share the spirit of this season with you, exceptional brave men and women. I want to let you know you are appreciated and that Kenyans are proud of you. We appreciate that you have stood firm and fought off threats to our motherland and stood firm, even in the face of great challenges. We thank you for the sacrifices you have made, even beyond the call of duty,” CS Omamo said.
Omamo added that she wanted to witness the life of the soldiers in Somalia first hand during the visit.
“I wanted to see your faces, listen to you and your Commanders, to enable us to support you in the successful execution of your mandate here. Because of your diligence, you exemplify the heart of Kenya. You are symbols of all that is worthwhile in our country. You have successfully stood firm as the shield of Kenya, and for that I thank you” she said.
The Cabinet Secretary also honoured heroes who had paid the ultimate price in the service to the Nation. The CS promised to deliver season greetings to the soldier’ families once she returns home.