Declare two-day national mourning for KDF soldiers killed in Somalia, Raila tells Uhuru

A wounded Kenyan soldier (C) serving in the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) is received by military officers and paramedics at the Wilson airport in Kenya's capital Nairobi, January 17, 2016. Photo/REUTERSBy NANCY AGUTU

Jan. 18, 2016, 6:00 pm

Raila Odinga has asked President Uhuru Kenyatta to declare two days of national mourning, beginning Tuesday, for KDF soldiers killed in Somalia.

Al Shabaab attacked a remote African Union basein Somalia last Friday, killed dozens of soldiers and captured others whom Kenya is on a mission to rescue.

"Because of the physical and psychological magnitude of this tragedy, we urge that during this period, all flags be flown at half-mast," the Cord leader said in a statement with Cord co-principals on Monday.

Raila also urged Uhuru to suspend all activities and convene an emergency session of the Cabinet which will provide a way forward and guidance to the people. The President is stillinspecting development projects at the Coast.

"Nothing can be more important to our people at this moment. Once again, our prayers are with the families, friends and relatives of the fallen soldiers," he said.

"I urge Uhuru to take charge and guide the nation. The state should also provide information on casualties, survivors and circumstances leading to this tragedy."

Regarding details of the ambush, the Cord leader noted the public wants to understand how and know the number of victims and survivors' whereabouts.

He said the attack sparked "understandable panic, anger and uncertainty" among citizens and that the President’s leadership will help close the information gap.

Defence CS Raychelle Omamo said affected families will receive details before the rest of the public.

The number of casualties has not been released, leaving a gap which Raila said is being filled by terror group's propaganda. He asked the President to reassure Kenyans that all is not lost.

Al Shabaab claimed on Sunday that it hadcaptured Kenyan soldiers during the attack but did not say how many.

The Somalia-based and al Qaeda-linked terror group also said it killed 100 soldiers who are part of the African Union Mission; it had previously reported 63 Kenyan soldiers were killed.

Raila urged Kenyans to remain calm and vigilant adding "although we are in shock, we must remain resolute. Even in this sorrow, we must be unbowed and must not give up".

Kenya is said to have attacked al Shabaab bases following the Friday morning massacre.

Early Monday, Omamo said about 30 Kenyan soldiers had been rescued from El Adde, Somalia in an ongoing search, rescue and recovery operation.

She said the 30, who were airlifted to Wilson Airport in Nairobi, were not injured but traumatised, adding the first batch of bodieswould be flown in this evening.

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