Retired soldiers vow to support security agencies against Al-Shabaab in Garissa
A group of retired Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) soldiers in Garissa county have pledged to work with security agencies in combating terrorism threats posed by Al-Shabaab, an Islamist insurgent group based in Somalia with links to al-Qaeda.
The retired soldiers, who formed a KDF Association, spoke during a registration exercise for all former military officers in Garissa on Saturday.
They said they were ready to use their skills and experience to assist the government in securing the county and providing intelligence.
The association’s secretary, Hassan Waqo, said they had agreed with Garissa County Commissioner Boaz Cherutich on how they would cooperate with security officials at different levels.
He also said the association would help the elderly veterans and their families.
“We will work together and make sure that this country remains safe. Either in terms of intelligence, tactical knowledge, or any other duties that the government may assign us,” Waqo said.
Cherutich commended the retired soldiers for their initiative and assured them of his support. He said they would play a vital role in enhancing security in Garissa, which has been a target of several attacks by Al-Shabaab militants.
“We are committed to ensure that we support them so that they continue serving their community wherever they are, but above all they have committed themselves that they are going to support the government in securing our county,” Cherutich said.
Garissa Town OCPD James Ng’etich said that the local police service will work hand in hand with the veterans to make sure the registered association is vibrant and executing its mandate in dissemination of information and unending respect between the retirees and those still in service.
The national veterans’ association led by Brigadier Ondiek seeks to establish a regulatory and institutional framework for the management of military veterans’ affairs and subsequent associations has since been formed at county level.