President Mwai Kibaki yesterday for the first time declared in public that Kenya had entered into war as he rallied for public support in the campaign against Al-Shabaab.
Speaking five days after the attack was launched, Kibaki warned the Somali terror group that the security forces will flash them out of their hideouts both in Somali and in Kenya. "Our security forces have begun operations within and outside of our borders against militants who have sought to destabilise our country," he declared.
Three Kenyan soldiers were ambushed by Somalia militia and their boat bombed by a rocket propelled grenade (RPG) during patrols in Ras Kamboni, Somalia area.
The incident occurred on Tuesday evening. The officers were injured but out of danger. It is not clear whether the attack was carried out by Al Shabaab or the pirates.
Military spokesperson for the Operation Linda Nchi, Maj Emmanuel Chirchir, said the incident happened on land, while the Kenyan defence was on patrol.
Chirchir said Kenyan forces had since captured the area and fully penetrated the region. "We will not give up at all, we will not be cowed or intimidated by the Al-Shabab," he said. "We have information that it is either pirates or the Al-Shabaab who have attacked our team, but we shall press on." They officers were treated at Pandya Hospital and the Naval Hospital for minor injuries.
At the Mashujaa Day celebrations in Nyayo National Stadium, Kibaki said Kenya had opted for an incursion since its territorial integrity had been violated by the activities of the rag tag army. "We will defend our territorial integrity through all measures necessary to ensure peace and stability."
The President said the war on terror cannot be won without public support.
"Security of our country will not be achieved by our security forces alone. Each one of us has a role to ensure that no one amongst us is used to disrupt our peace and stability," Kibaki told Kenyans.
In an indication that the army was preparing for a massive operation to weed out Al-Shabaab sympathisers in the country, Kibaki appealed to Kenyans to support the security forces.
He particularly appealed for vigilance and true patriotism which will ensure that the identification the bad elements amongst the national population.
But the President had a terse warning for the militants in Kenya; "The hospitality of the Kenyan people must never be abused by some bad elements."
A military source said Kenya had identified militants, their sympathisers and financiers operating from Eastleigh in Nairobi.
"They are on our radar and I can assure you the President fully understands what he says when warning that our hospitality should not be taken for granted," the source added. Kibaki commended the military spearheading the attack terming them "modern day heroes who should be supported by all Kenyans".
The President's remarks where preceded by Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka and Prime Minister Raila Odinga who hailed the army for the move. "As President Kenyatta declared, Kenya is not ready to lose even an inch of its territory and we must support the army in this war," Kalonzo said.
