We’ll arrest those sending alarming images of AMISOM attack, CS Nkaissery warns

We’ll arrest those sending alarming images of AMISOM attack, CS Nkaissery warns

Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph Ole Nkaissery has warned Kenyans against sending alarming pictures and messages about Friday’s Al Shabaab attack on African Union Mission in Somalia’s (AMISOM) El Adde base, saying that those doing so will be arrested.

Speaking on Saturday in Mombasa County, Nkaissery said that sharing such images only served to glorify terrorism.

While the retired Major General confirmed that some members of the Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) were killed in the 4:00am attack, he did not state the exact number of soldiers who lost their lives.

Shifting gear, the CS warned politicians against inciting youth towards violence, especially as political temperatures continue to rise across the country.

Using President Uhuru Kenyatta’s launch of a street lighting project in Mombasa as an example, Nkaissery said that some politicians had paid youth to heckle some of the speakers at the function.

Two people were seriously injured during the Friday function after supporters of Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho and Nairobi Senator Mike Sonko clashed at the coastal town.

Kenyan soldiers killed

There have been conflicting reports over the number of Kenyan soldiers killed in the attack carried out by the Somalia-based terror group.

No official figures have been provided by the Government.

Speaking to the BBC, Kenyan military spokesman Col David Obonyo said that high numbers of deaths reported are just “normal propaganda from Al Shabaab”.

On Friday, President Uhuru Kenyatta released a statement confirming that Kenyan lives were lost in the Al Shabaab raid.

“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,” said Kenyatta.

The Head of State, who is also the Commander-in-Chief of Kenya’s armed forces, said that the army will stay put in Somalia.

“We will not be cowed by these cowards. With our allies, we will continue in Somalia to fulfill our mission,” affirmed Kenyatta.

The KDF soldiers who were slain are a part of AMISOM, a regional peacekeeping mission operated by the African Union with the approval of the United Nations.

AMISOM, whose main mandate is to reduce the threat posed by Al Shabaab, has several bases across Somalia, and they have been in existence since January 2007.

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