Photo/PPS President Mwai Kibaki (left) on October 28, 2011 joined other world leaders for the opening ceremony of this year’s Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Perth, Australia. The biannual summit, whose theme is ‘Building National Resilience’ was addressed by the Head of the Commonwealth, Queen Elizabeth II. This year’s meeting will deliberate on among other issues, the role of sports in youth development, food security and climate change.
By (PPS)
Posted Friday, October 28 2011 at 22:28
Posted Friday, October 28 2011 at 22:28
Perth, Australia
President Kibaki has explained to Commonwealth leaders why Kenya decided to take military action against Al-Shabaab militia inside Somalia.
The President affirmed that Kenya’s decision to carry out military action against Al-Shabaab militia was in response to escalating insecurity and violation of Kenya’s territorial integrity by the insurgents.
He stated that Kenya is not at war with Somalia but is carrying out military action against the militia which is a non-state actor that is perpetrating blatant attacks, abductions and killings of innocent civilians.
Speaking during an executive session of the Commonwealth Heads of State and government in Perth, Australia, on Friday, the President said Kenya had no intention of keeping troops in Somalia longer than is necessary, but will undertake the mission established under the operation to protect the country.
He informed the session, chaired by the Prime Minister of Australia, Julia Gillard, that the country’s current mission in Somalia is meant to deal with the continued threat posed by Al-Shabaab to Kenya’s national security and economic interests.
Said the President: “Our mission in Somalia is therefore, based on a legitimate right to protect Kenya’s sovereignty and territorial integrity”. (READ: Kenya doesn't intend to annex Somalia, says Saitoti)
The President emphasised that the prolonged conflict in Somalia had progressively mutated into a myriad of activities threatening the security of Kenya and other neighbouring states, the region and the international community.
Saying that Kenya is working with the African Union, IGAD and the Somali Transitional Federal Government to create safe zones within the war torn country, the Head of State called on the international community to support efforts towards stabilizing Somalia.
Alarming messages
“Kenya can no longer bear the burden of hosting the massive number of refugees in the country and calls upon the Commonwealth to support efforts to facilitate their return to Somalia or relocation to another country”, the President said.
At the same time, the government on Friday warned Kenyans against sending alarming text messages about possible attacks by Al-Shabaab militia.
Communication permanent secretary Dr Bitange Ndemo said sending such alarming information could land the sender in prison.
The PS displayed to journalists a text that he had received that alleged the presence of suicide bomber on motorcycles at various shopping malls in Nairobi.
He said that the government had contacted all service providers and any messages sent after the caution yesterday would be tracked and those responsible apprehended.
“These messages are creating unnecessary panic and we are appealing to all Kenyans to desist from sending or forwarding them because one can be jailed for it under our laws,” said Dr Ndemo.
The PS advised Kenyans to contact relevant authorities to verify the information first.
He added that the government would today be issuing a comprehensive statement on the issue and other matters relating to internal security.
The Somalia militant group has been making threats of terror attacks in Nairobi after Kenyan forces started an offensive inside the horn of Africa country in pursuant of members of Al-Shabaab.
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