The National Assembly Committee on Defense is calling for equipping Kenya Defense Forces with modern equipment in quest to defeat Ashabaab and protect the country.
According to a member of the committee Joseph Kiuna, KDF needs a sophisticated, modern warfare equipment to fight terrorism.
“Al-shabaab and other terrorists groups have devised tactics in attacking the military hence the need to be a step ahead.” He said.
His statements come few weeks after KDF camp in Kulbiyow Somalia was attacked where several military men died.
The attack has also opened the discussion on whether the government should withdraw the KDF under Amisom in Somalia where opposition leaders are supporting the withdrawal.
Over the weekend during the Bomet NASA Rally, Bungoma Senator and Wiper Leader Kalonzo Musyoka called upon President Uhuru Kenyatta to withdraw KDF from Somalia.
But on his side, while condemning those calling for withdrawal of Kenyan troops from Somalia, Kiuna said that the move to deploy them to Somalia was informed by the extent to which Alshabaab operations were impacting negatively on Kenya’s security and economy.
Kiuna commended KDF terming they have remained a force to reckon with in Africa and across the world in peacekeeping mission.
“There is need to ensure that the force is supported in every way to ensure its operations are successful.” Kiuna added.
He said that every Kenyan has an obligation to pray for Kenyan forces in peace missions as they risk their lives for the sake of protecting territorial integrity of the nation.
Kiuna spoke as one of the slain soldiers was buried in Ndeffo Njoro constituency while another one was buried in Mang’u Rongai constituency.
