[A KDF soldier in a past assignment. Opposition leader Raila Odinga will withdraw soldiers from Somalia should he take over. Photo/Nation]
Kenyan soldiers operating in Somalia could be withdrawn systematically should Raila Odinga win presidential elections in a fortnight.
Thousands of soldiers were absorbed to AMISON following the fruitful conclusion of Operation ‘Linda Nchi’ which was commissioned in the neighboring Somalia, following threats and terror activities by Al Shabaab militants.
On Monday during the debate, Odinga, who is running for the fourth time to be president, said he will ensue Kenya troops are withdrawn to guard borders.
“There is no reason to keep our soldiers in Somalia. We successfully flushed Al Shabaab out of their hideouts and handed rescued towns to Amison,” he said.
Odinga further added: “As a neighbor, we are not obliged to contribute soldiers to a war ton country. This will make our country more vulnerable. We shall commence a strategic exit.”
Since the commencement of the operation in the neighboring country, hundreds of Kenyans soldiers have reportedly died with the most recent being at an attack in El Adde, where close to 200 soldiers perished.
At home, hundreds of Kenyans have succumbed to the terror group, with Westgate attack, Garissa University and Mandera bus attacks being the most notable ones.