More than 70 percent of Kenyans want the Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) to leave Somalia. This is according to a report released today published by Twaweza East Africa, (http://www.twaweza.org/) a not-for-profit survey organization.
The survey revealed that most Kenyans attribute the increase in radical terrorism activity to the KDF invasion of Somalia in 2011. The defense forces crossed into Somalia after Kenya suffered a number of terrorist attacks believed to be instigated by Somali based group, Al Shabab. This was in an attempt to protect the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Among those interviewed, 7 out of 10 attributed the increase in radical activities to lack of employment especially among young people.
More than 60 percent of Kenyans expressed concern that radical groups would recruit family members. This comes in the wake of various media reports in recent past of young people crossing into Somalia to join the militant group. The respondent were wary that their young family members are at a risk of being lured by the militants.
The government's decision to close down Daadab refugee camp has received widespread support from Kenyans, who cited the camp as a possible breeding camp for terrorist insurgents. They said that the risks involved in letting the camp stay open greatly outweigh the need for the refugees to stay.
The report further indicated that 4 out of every 10 Kenyans believe that only a military approach would help protect Kenya and combat radicalization as opposed to reconciliatory one.