As part of his motivation trips to various divisions with Kenya Army, Lieutenant General Walter Raria on Tuesday visited Engineers Brigade which is located in Thika.
Ever his elevation as Army Commander last year, Lieutenant General Walter Raria has visited several army divisions within Kenya and in Somalia.
Apparently, his trip to Engineers Brigade coincided with KDF's strike against Al-Shabaab militants along Kenya-Somalia border on Tuesday which killed over 13 fighters.
The Engineers Brigade is a vital entity within the Kenya Army as it is tasked with the critical role of enhancing mobility and survivability of troops deployed in hostile localities as well as routine maintenance of barrack facilities during peace time.
The militants, the intelligence sources say, were crossing over from Somalia to Kenya at Hola-Wajeer area, without Southern Jubaland.
During the clash with Kenyan forces, the source said, two vehicles belonging to the Al-Shabaab militants were destroyed by an airstrike.
"13 members of terror group Al-Shabaab have been killed near the Kenyan border. The group was heading into the country. Two vehicles; a Suzuki and Toyota Landcruiser (Technical) destroyed.
"It happened atHola-Wajeer area of Badhadhe District of southern Lower Jubba Region of Somalia and a few kilometers away from the Kenya-Somalia border," said the officer privy to the the latest strike against Al-Shabaab.
Lt Gen Raria appreciated the secondary role of the Kenya Army Engineers that illuminates the KA and KDF as a whole in support of the national goals.
During the Baraza, he underscored the importance of additional training for the newly graduated infantry soldiers to include counter-IED and reverse osmosis water purification and unit maintenance. In his remarks he applauded the troops efforts citing.
“I commend your innovation and efforts towards the support of the war in Somalia through the fortifications of our fighting positions, anti-VBIED weapon enhancement and construction of efficient firing range for all caliber weapons.
"However, with the ever evolving nature of the enemy we are facing, I charge you to work even harder to counter remote controlled and directional IEDs,” he added.
Lt Gen Raria further urged the Engineers Brigade leadership to strive towards fostering a congenial relationship and association with other security agencies such as the National Police Service in the unified efforts of maintaining peace and security in our area of responsibility.