President Ruto urges KDF to remain vigilant

President William Ruto has told the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) to remain professional in engaging threats to the country's security.

Speaking while presiding over this year's KDF Day fete at Laikipia Air Base in Nanyuki, Dr Ruto said that territorial integrity relies on the defence forces, adding that they should always remain vigilant.

"KDF must remain thoroughly professional in order to secure the nation against all threats by offering credible deterrence and also stay robust enough to engage any threat to Kenya’s national security and interests," Dr Ruto, who is the Commander-in-Chief of the Defence forces, said.

"Our freedom and sovereignty are hard won products of great sacrifice that we should always guard with utmost vigilance in honour of those who sacrificed for it and in order for us to achieve sustainable development," he added.

Joined by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and top government dignitaries, this became the first military event Dr Ruto presided over since he was sworn into office on September 13, 2022.

"Our territorial integrity relies on our defence forces and its members must therefore always be prepared for every threat with the requisite tools, capabilities and motivation. The tip of the nation’s spear has always been and will always remain our tools be they in land, air or at the sea," Dr Ruto said.

The President's statement comes as parts of Northern Kenya continue to face the brunt of Al Shabaab attacks, especially along the Kenya-Somalia border.

The terrorists have been targeting security installations, despite campaigns to address the insecurity menace in the area.

The attacks have affected the education sector, forcing tens of teachers and other professionals who are non-locals to leave the counties of Mandera, Wajir and Garissa.

The border region has borne the brunt of repeated attacks from the militants who are at times aided by residents.

Dr Ruto lauded KDF for its commitment in fighting terrorists, especially the Al-Shabaab militia.

"Our stand on the war on terror speaks for itself. For this reason, KDF is in Somalia having been invited among other nations to support the United Nations and the Africa Union transition mission in Somalia (formally AMISOM)," Dr Ruto said.

"This contribution supports the efforts of the international community in pursuing peace in the horn of Africa. Kenya is committed to international as well as regional peace and security," he added.

The President promised to expand the county's peace-keeping efforts so as to combat terrorism.

"I have had a conversation with the leadership of the KDF to expand our efforts in peace-keeping across the globe. Our forces continue to be called upon by the Africa Union (AU) and United Nations to support peace operations in Africa and beyond," Dr Ruto said.

"Some of the sacrifices of our soldiers, therefore, are not confined to our immediate borders. The legacy of Kenyan peace-keepers has been appreciated as far away as West Africa," he continued.

He assured that his administration will continue investing heavily in the welfare of all KDF troops.

"The government commitment in this regard will remain paramount and will continue to invest in our men and women in uniform through the provision of training complimented by the acquisition of relevant weapon system, equipment and guaranteeing access to medical care that is wholistic, reliable and effective," Dr Ruto said, promising to ‘supporting more innovation in the military family’.

Dr Ruto further urged the KDF to offer support in combating the ongoing biting drought affecting parts of the country as well as supporting his affordable housing programme.

“It is desirable that the solutions out of your laboratories and workshops are not exclusively focused on defence and security. I urge you to also seek to address human security needs of the citizenry like food security and affordable housing,” the President said.

This day has been observed since October 2012, following the launch of Operation Linda Nchi in Somalia in October 2011.

During the event, Dr Ruto laid a wreath at the Heroes and Heroines Monument, followed by an inspection of a Guard of Honour mounted by the Kenya Air Force (KAF). He was guided by Chief of Kenya Defence Forces General Robert Kibochi.

The Head of State further inspected a variety of sophisticated military aircrafts and weaponry before witnessing a spectacular show of aerobatics by the Kenya Air Force fighter jets.

Outgoing Cabinet Secretaries Eugene Wamalwa (Defence) and Monica Juma (Energy) were present during the event.

Laikipia Governor Joshua Irungu and MPs Kimani Ichungwa (Kikuyu), Mwangi Kiunjuri (Laikipia East), Sarah Korere (Laikipia North) and Jane Kagiri (Laikipia County MP) were also present.

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