President Uhuru Kenyatta. Photo/PSCU
President Uhuru Kenyatta today said his Government will allow no room for those who want to divide Kenyans and those who want to snatch other people’s property.
He said Kenya's security forces would equally give no chance to those who would raise their hands against their brothers and sisters.
The President also reiterated the resolve of Kenyans never to be divided by the evil designs of terrorists, adding that the Kenya Defence Forces, together with other arms of security services, have already downgraded those posing a threat to Kenyans.
“As your President, and your Commander-in-Chief, it falls to me to protect and defend that unity,” said President Kenyatta when he presided over the passing out parade of KDF recruits at the Recruits Training School (RTS) in Eldoret.
The President paid tribute to all the security officers who have fallen in the line of duty and the war against terrorism. He said Kenyans are duty bound to honour the officers drawn from all sections of the country's security organs.
The President said Kenyans should remember and comfort the families of all officers who lost their lives in the line of duty to defend Kenyans.
“We are called to defend the principles and the way of life for which they died; and we are called, finally, to win the war they so gallantly fought,” said the President.
The Head of State said the perpetrators of violence and lawlessness in some parts of the North Rift, Laikipia and elsewhere are being dealt with firmly. “The leaders of the incitement and violence will learn their lessons,” said the President.
The President commended the KDF for maintaining high standards of service and for defending the freedoms that make Kenyans proud.
He said Kenya will win the war against terrorists because of the freedoms enjoyed by its people including the freedom of religion.
“Our freedoms make us better than the enemy. Our freedoms make us stronger than the enemy. That is why we know we will win,” said the President.
He urged the new officers to follow in the footsteps of their predecessors in the security forces who have maintained exemplary standards of patriotism and professionalism.
“The men and women who serve are drawn from every corner of the Republic, and from every religion; they are united in patriotism and professionalism. Out of many, we are one,” said the President.
The Head of State said Kenya’s military presence in Somalia has resulted in increased stability in the neighbouring nation and has also limited the ability of terrorists to harm Kenya.
“With our allies, we have victories to show. We have degraded the capacity of Al-Shabaab to carry out attacks in Kenya and elsewhere; and our collective efforts have led to the establishment of successive civilian governments in Somalia,” said the President.
He urged Kenyans to unite in supporting the efforts of the security forces to win the war against terrorists and those who wish to harm innocent people.
“Those are the stakes: freedom and prosperity, against the poverty and slavery our enemy wants for us. In this war, we must call upon the noblest and bravest among us,” said the President.
After witnessing a colourful parade by the new soldiers, the President issued awards to those who excelled in different categories.