By JOHN NGIRACHU jngirachu@ke.nationmedia.com And FRED MUKINDA fmukinda@ke.nationmedia.com
Posted Saturday, December 24 2011 at 22:30
Posted Saturday, December 24 2011 at 22:30
As Kenyans across the country celebrate Christmas with their loved ones, it will be business as usual for the men and women on the frontline in the war against Al-Shabaab inside Somalia and on the border with the war-torn country.
Such is the lot of the men and women who have staked their lives and joined the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia against the Islamist group.
But the Chief of the Defence Forces, General Julius Karangi, sent a message to the troops and the anxious families that will be spending the day without their loved ones.
“To the families of the soldiers, especially those in Operation Linda Nchi: Thank you for your patience, understanding and support as our brave soldiers endeavour to keep Kenya and Somalia safe,” he said.
Something special
And, at the weekly briefing on the operation yesterday, the head of information and operations at the Department of Defence, Col Cyrus Oguna, was emphatic nothing will be changing on the frontline and suggested the families of the soldiers would get something special.
Last Wednesday, Gen Karangi made a surprise visit to Ishakani, a camp in Somalia, a few kilometres from Ras Kamboni, that is the launching pad of the campaign in the Southern Sector.
Such visits are typical in times of war or activities as big as Operation Linda Nchi. The head of the British Army, General Sir Peter Wall, made one to Afghanistan on Saturday.
On Saturday, Col Oguna said Gen Karangi’s visit was part of efforts to boost the soldiers’ morale as they survive the hot, humid and uncomfortable environment inside Somalia.
“We are at war and that means they will not celebrate Christmas. They will remain vigilant and engage the enemy as usual,” Col Oguna said.
“We understand the need (to have them in high spirits) and that’s why the CDF was there. Definitely, their families will get their Christmas wishes and we are working on that.”
Operation Linda Nchi was launched on October 15 with the aim of getting rid of Al-Shabaab, who controlled much of southern Somalia and were blamed for several incursions into Kenyan territory. (READ:Kenya seeks to retain combat role in Somalia)
Although the Kenya military is yet to get to the port town of Kismayu, its ultimate target as it seeks to strangle the militia group financially, KDF says they have met their targets and are working at a good pace.
Officers who spoke to the Sunday Nation off the record said that for them, a holiday also carries a risk as well as an advantage.
The enemy would want to catch them offguard because of the festive mood, meaning they have to be more vigilant. (READ: Kenyan hotels, malls on alert over terror strike fears)
“We would not want to be caught unawares. They might think we are not active and decide to surprise us and we don’t want that,” said one of the officers.
They could also launch an attack on the enemy, who would imagine they are not prepared to strike because they are in a Christmas mood.
Whatever the situation, those who are required to go on patrol will do so and the pilot who is ordered to bomb a location will not hesitate to strap in and fly over enemy territory.
With the Kenyan troops at war for the first time in the country’s history, there have been many firsts, and they would learn something from their counterparts around the world.
For the British forces in Helmand, Afghanistan, the BBC reported they would be given extra time to phone home while the chefs there would prepare 140 turkeys and 1,000 kilos of potatoes, the traditional food they would have had at home.
Kenyan troops in the Central Sector might not enjoy the comfort of talking to their loved ones at home as Al-Shabaab are reported to have destroyed the Hormuud Telecom mobile phone masts.
In other areas, it would be difficult to have a phone that has enough charge. Meals are also likely to be the usual beans, mashed potatoes and rice or ugali.
Boost morale
On Jamhuri Day, President Kibaki said that the government mandated the Kenyan Defence Forces to pursue the insurgents into Somalia territory with the support of the TFG forces.In the United States, the soldiers’ families are asked to send in their Christmas cards and special messages, which are then delivered to the soldiers in foreign lands to help boost their morale.
“It is, therefore, important for Kenyans, and indeed the international community to understand that Kenya is not at war with Somalia.
“Our Kenya Defence Forces will therefore work closely with the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia, AMISOM, IGAD, the African Union and the United Nations, in order to find a long term solution and ensure the stability of Somalia,” said the President.
The Head of State thanked Kenyans for supporting the operation in Somalia and called upon them to be extra vigilant so as to supplement the good work of the country’s security forces.
He further appealed to all citizens of Somalia to seize the unfolding historic opportunity to stabilise and reclaim their country as well as rejoin the family of nations.
The President declared: “It is time to silence the cries of war and embrace the coming age of peace and prosperity in Somalia.”
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