Apologies for this long post. Mr. President, let me begin by commending you for any efforts that you have taken to ensure safety and security of Kenyans. Next, I convey my heartfelt apologies to family and friends of those who have lost loved ones in the hands of terrorists.
A few years ago, Kenya deployed the military into Somalia. The precursor to the incursion was the piracy menace and kidnapping of Kenyans/foreigners on Kenyan soil. What followed was engagement between KDF and Shabab, and it is on record that KDF were successful and ended up freeing Kismayu, beyond anyone’s expectation.
Let me now say that there is no more justification to keep KDFin Somalia any longer. I have my reasons:
1. Somalia itself does not support our stay in Somalia - Since capture of kismayu, the Shabab, have now changed tactics, and are attacking defenceless civilians. Over the last one year, hundreds of Kenyans have lost their lives, but we never heard of any leader in Somalia condemn these killings, or even try to assist in pursuing the attackers. Doesn’t this confirm that we are unwelcome guests in Somalia?
2. Somalia has taken Kenya to international court – Despite putting our soldier’s lives on the line, Somalia has made an outrageous claim on Kenyan waters, and went ahead to take us to court. Isn’t this reason enough that we are their laughing stock by continuing to fight their wars?
3. Kenyan civilians have no defence against al shabab – The KDF is well armed and can shield itself from alshabaab. However, civilians have no defence. For instance, what would you do if they launched chemical weapons in Nairobi? Is anyone safe?
4. Your primary role is the protection of Kenyans, not nationals of other countries. It does not make sense for KDF to continue staying in a safe house in Somalia, while your own people have no defence here on home soil.
5. KDF can only do so much in Somalia, beyond which it does not make sense to stay any longer, if Somalis themselves are not interested in peace. It would only make sense if we overrun the entire country and colonise it from scratch-something not possible.
6. Somalia has a whole generation of home grown terrorists- since the fall of said barre in 1992, Somalia has never known peace and a whole generation never went to school. The number of would be terrorists is almost unlimited.
There are many other reasons but the conclusion is that we should not stay any longer in Somalia. Please however note that the way forward, in my opinion, is not senseless withdrawal of KDF. Your government ought to initiate dialogue with AU/UN, and let other countries which do not share a border with Somalia take our place in a structured manner. If however, no other country on earth will be willing to take our place, then even us why should we be there?
Once we have withdrawn KDF, the following should take place to avoid terrorists crossing back into kenya:
• Close Kenyan—Somalia border indefinately. Do not care what UN will say.
• Relocate Dadab camp to inside Somalia. Do not care what UN will say
• Deploy permanent drones to patrol the border. Equip them to decimate any trace of infrared within a kilometre from the border, 24/7.

KDF involvement in Somalia has seen the number of people with Kenyan identification receiving militant training in Somalia grow exponentially. These are returning home and offering support to groups like MRC.

Withdrawing and shutting the border may not change much!

But, but, sister!

I remember you telling us that was important. Why has it now changed? Surely its not too late?

@ guru, once we withdraw, the militants will get busy turning against themselves within Somalia. Otherwise the cost we are incurring maintaining KDF, beefing security, losses in tourism, occasional attacks, lack of appreciation in Somalia and uncertainties is not worth the effort.

He walks around with a museum in his stomach!