Kenyan president commends soldiers for superb peace keeping role

Xinhua
Sunday, March 24, 2013

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Kenya’s outgoing President Mwai Kibaki has commended the country’s soldiers for their successful peacekeeping role across the world and for bringing peace and stability in neighboring Somalia.

Kibaki who is due to leave office soon also asked the Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) to give unwavering support to the next President of Kenya just as they have done for him for the last 10 years.

"In what will go down as a case study in military strategy, our men and women moved into that country in October 2011, sending a clear signal that Somalia needed help, and Kenya would stand to be counted in the steps to stabilize Somalia," Kibaki said.

Kibaki who is outgoing Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces was speaking in Nairobi during a farewell parade held by KDF in honor.

He noted with appreciation the performance of the country’s defense forces in Somalia and its role in helping stabilize the neighboring country.

Saluting the defense forces for a job well done, Kibaki however noted that there is still more work to be done in Somalia and encouraged the incoming government to work closely with AMISOM, the African Union and the international community in the reconstruction of Somalia.

He described the country’s Defense Forces as one of the best militaries in the region and in Africa as attested to by the numerous requests made for assistance in areas experiencing instability.

"Today, our soldiers are involved in United Nations Peace- keeping duties in various parts of the world," said Kibaki

He challenged the Defense Forces to maintain the high level of discipline and dedication they are renowned for all over the world while keeping abreast with the latest technology to deal with emerging threats to peace and security in the region and across the world.

"As a nation, we appreciate your willingness to place your lives in harm’s way to guarantee our peace and security.

"At this juncture, I once again pay tribute to the members of the Kenya Defense Forces who have paid the ultimate price in the line of duty," Kibaki said.

The President emphasized that the Defense Forces were a key pillar in the country’s democracy by safeguarding national interests defending sovereignty and territorial integrity without prejudice.

As a beacon of hard work, patriotism, selflessness and devotion, President Kibaki said, the Defense Forces provided an excellent example that Kenyans from all walks of life can emulate.

Immediate former Minister for Defense Haji commended President Kibaki’s visionary leadership for the last ten years that has transformed the country in great ways.

He particularly acknowledged the support the government continued to extend to the Kenya Defense forces in order to make them a beacon of professionalism that is devoted in serving the nation.

Chief of the Defense Forces (CDF) General Julius Karangi noted that the KDF has been transformed in many ways in order to cope with the new technological trends and emerging threats.

Speaking at the colorful ceremony Kibaki noted that change in political leadership was expected and reminded Kenyans that changes in political leadership in a democratic society are inevitable.

"Let me extend my gratitude to the Kenya Defense Forces for your unwavering support to me, and my Government in the last ten years.

"I call upon you to extend the same to your incoming Commander-in-Chief and his administration," Kibaki said.

"In a democratic society, changes in political leadership are inevitable, the role of the defense forces is to support the civilian population," said Kibaki.

The Kenyan leader encouraged the incoming government to work closely with AMISOM, AU and the International community in reconstructing the state of Somalia which is facing near daily onslaught from militants.

Kibaki noted that it was important for the defense forces to keep abreast with the latest technology and to continue working tirelessly to deal with any security threats.

He urged the country’s Defense Forces to support the civilian administration in realization of stability and prosperity to ensure a conducive environment for foreign and domestic investment to thrive and therefore improve the economic and social welfare of Kenyans.

Kibaki stated that the country recently held a historic General Election and called upon uniformed forces to work hand in hand with the leaders elected by Kenyans to serve in various positions for the betterment of the beloved nation.

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