Kenyans on social media show solidarity with their fallen soldiers #IStandWithKDF
The Kenya Defence Forces on Friday deployed helicopter gunships and fighter jets in a massive counter-offensive against the Al-Shabaab after the terror group attacked its camp in El-Adde, in Gedo Somalia, killing an unknown number of soldiers.
Kenya’s President Uhuru Kenyatta, who is also the Commander-in-Chief, saluted the Kenyan troops who were killed in combat, saying they did not die in vain, because they were protecting Kenya from her enemies.
“Regrettably, some of our patriots in uniform paid the ultimate price. It is heart-breaking. I want to take this opportunity to express mine and the country’s deepest sympathy to the families and loved ones of the fallen. I stand with you.
Our country stands with you. We deeply appreciate the sacrifices made by your loved ones in defence of our democracy, our peace and our security,” he said in a statement issued from Mombasa, where he launched a national street-lighting programme.
Kenyans on social media also took their time to show their solidarity with the soldiers and send in their condolence messages under the hashtag #IStandWithKDF.
Here are some of those messages:
Opposition leader Raila Odinga and his Amani National Congress (ANC) counterpart Musalia Mudavadi sent condolences to the families of the dead soldiers, saying the attacks showed the threat of terrorism was real and urged the country to stand together.
“I extend deep condolences to the families of the slain soldiers who have died in a valiant effort to keep our country and the world safe.
“Their death confirms the danger we continue to face from extremists as a country and a region. As a nation, we must stand together in condemning this brutal and brazen attack on freedom,” said Mr Odinga.
