Kenya Insights

Tag: Somalia

  • TikTokers Arrested For Insulting Somalia’s President In a Dance Video

    TikTokers Arrested For Insulting Somalia’s President In a Dance Video

    Police in Somalia have arrested four TikTokers for allegedly insulting President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in a dance video.

    In the post several young men are seen dancing to a remix of a campaign song originally used during the president’s election bid in 2022, but with the lyrics altered to include derogatory language.

    In a statement, the police said the suspects were in custody and would be formally charged. They have not commented since their arrest.

    Several social media influencers have been arrested and jailed in the past for spreading clan-based insults, incitement or “immoral” content on platforms like TikTok – but this is the first case involving a top politician.

    In August last year, seven TikTokers were sentenced to six months in prison by a court in the capital, Mogadishu, for provoking civil unrest and spreading immorality.

    The authorities said the behaviour in the recent video – the original of which has been deleted but it still being widely shared on TikTok and other social media platforms – constituted a criminal offence under Somali law.

    Police spokesman Gen Abdifatah Aden warned the public that anyone engaging in similar acts that disrespected national institutions or leaders would “face the full force of the law”.

    The arrests have reignited public debate over the role of social media in Somalia, particularly TikTok, which has been at the centre of controversy in the past.

    Some have expressed their support for the young men while others have defended the arrests, saying freedom of expression should not extend to such levels – particularly in a country still grappling with fragile governance.

    TikTok is a popular platform in Somalia and within the large diaspora – especially among the youth, who use it for political commentary and satire.

    Many people also use it for business as well as a source of entertainment.

    In 2023, the government considered banning the platform altogether, citing concerns over national security, the spread of misinformation and the erosion of social and moral values.

    The ban was not implemented at the time because of strong public opposition, but officials warned that the platform was increasingly being used to spread harmful content including extremist propaganda and defamatory material.

    (BBC)

  • Ethiopia, Somalia Reach Agreement In Ankara-Mediated Peace Talks, Turkish President Announces

    Ethiopia, Somalia Reach Agreement In Ankara-Mediated Peace Talks, Turkish President Announces

    Türkiye’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced late Wednesday that Ethiopia and Somalia reached an agreement to solve the conflict between the two nations in Ankara-mediated peace talks.

    “We have taken the first step toward a new beginning based on peace, cooperation between Somalia, Ethiopia,” President Erdogan said at a joint news conference with his Somalian counterpart Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.

    Ankara’s fundamental expectation is to establish peace and stability “in this distinguished corner” of Africa between Somalia and Ethiopia, he added.

    Türkiye believes the agreed-upon joint statement by Somalia and Ethiopia will establish a solid foundation for cooperation and prosperity based on mutual respect, he said.

    Erdogan said Türkiye, Somalia and Ethiopia will plan future steps together and implement projects to boost regional peace and prosperity

    He also praised Somalia’s president and Ethiopia’s prime minister for “reaching this historic reconciliation with great dedication” during the Ankara-mediated peace talks.

    During the joint press conference, Erdogan emphasised the importance of the agreement for ensuring Ethiopia’s access to the sea, which is vital for its economy.

    “I believe with the meeting we had today, especially with Ethiopia’s demands to access the sea, my brother Hassan Sheikh Mohamud will give the necessary support for accessing the sea,” he stated.

    Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed reiterated that Ethiopia’s pursuit of secure maritime access is intended as a peaceful initiative that would benefit neighboring countries.

    “We have addressed the misunderstandings that have occurred over the past year. Ethiopia’s desire for secure access to the sea is a peaceful venture and will benefit our neighbors; it should be viewed through the lens of collaboration, not skepticism,” he remarked.

    Somali President Hassan Sheikh also highlighted the significance of this agreement in halting their differences, stating that Somalia is “ready to work with the Ethiopian leadership and the Ethiopian people.”

    The leaders agreed to initiate technical discussions by February 2025, aiming to complete them within four months.

    These talks will focus on establishing commercial arrangements that ensure Ethiopia’s reliable and sustainable access to the sea under Somalia’s sovereignty.

    Ahmed hailed Türkiye for its efforts in resolving the Somalia-Ethiopia conflict during the talks.

    Mohamud also hailed Türkiye’s efforts in resolving the perennial territorial and political conflict between Somalia and Ethiopia.

    Somalia and Ethiopia fell out earlier this year after the Ethiopians announced plans to build a port in Somalia’s breakaway region of Somaliland, which has struggled to gain international recognition despite governing itself and enjoying comparative peace and stability since declaring independence in 1991.

    Somalia is firmly opposed to Somaliland’s independence bid.

    Landlocked Ethiopia, which has thousands of troops in Somalia to fight al Qaeda-linked insurgents, said it would officially recognise Somaliland’s independence in exchange for a strategic strip of land, near where the Red Sea meets the Indian Ocean.

    The spat has drawn Somalia closer to Egypt, which has quarrelled with Ethiopia for years over Addis Ababa’s construction of a vast hydro dam on the Nile River, and to Eritrea, another of Ethiopia’s foes.

    Turkey has close ties with both Ethiopia and Somalia, training Somalia’s security forces and supplying development assistance in return for a foothold on a key global shipping route.

    Türkiye has been working to end tensions between the two countries.

  • Explaining the Somalia-Somaliland Conundrum

    Explaining the Somalia-Somaliland Conundrum

    By Adam Kungu

    Somaliland has never been part of a country called Somalia. It is actually the 12th African nation to become independent from the colonial rule with an official Royal Proclamation of her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, meaning Somaliland became independent way before 42 African countries.

    In fact, soon after Somaliland’s independence from the British rule on June 26, 1960, 34 countries recognized it as an independent state, including members of the United Nations (UN) Security Council, but after only 5 days, the people of Somaliland voluntarily decided to unite with their neighbour, Somalia which had just got independence from Italy, to create the Somali Republic – a union deemed illegal as it was never formally ratified as law.

    Immediately after this unlawful union, challenges arose due to stark differences between the two united countries, leading to an attempted coup d’etat in 1961 by Somaliland officers with the goal to withdraw from the Union and reclaim Somaliland as an independent state.

    These disparities encompassed distinct formal languages, legal systems, security structures, civil service laws, and currencies. This evident divergence highlighted the inherent unsustainability of the Union from its inception.

    A couple of years before the Union, Italian legal experts drafted the Somalia Constitution and finalized the Constitution. Somaliland politicians and lawyers had virtually no chance to make even marginal changes in the draft.

    Then, on the 20th of June 1961, a referendum was held to cement the constitution of the Somali Republic. However, the people of Somaliland rejected overwhelmingly with major cities in Somaliland like Hargeisa, Burao, Berbera, and Erigavo, all opposed with 70% plus rejection.

    Then, the 1969 military coup happened. This 21-year rule by the Siad Barre Regime in Somaliland exacerbated the already dire situation created by Somalia, further complicating the socio-political landscape in the region.

    This initiated a relentless struggle by the people of Somaliland to regain their independence. This pursuit has exacted a significant toll, marked by atrocities such as a genocide, resulting in the tragic loss of over 200,000 innocent civilians through brutal killings, rapes, and targeted attacks.

    From 1960 to 1991, Somaliland endured an unlawful occupation, including the Isaaq genocide. However, through a protracted armed struggle, the resilient people of Somaliland valiantly liberated themselves, ultimately reclaiming their independence in 1991.

    Since then, Somaliland has been independent and is considered one of the most successful nations on many fronts, including democracy. The country has its own flag, currency, passport, government system, public institutions, and national army, which fully controls its territory.

    It it considered the most democratic and politically stable nation in East and Central Africa, according to Freedom House.

    Somaliland has had a series of democratic elections since 1991, which international observers have termed as free, fair, and credible. 5 different Presidents have been elected since then, and at some point, an incumbent lost an election, a rare trait in Africa’s politics.

    The writer is a Ugandan Journalist.

  • Ethiopia and Somaliland: A Deal with Domino Effects

    Ethiopia and Somaliland: A Deal with Domino Effects

    (Essayias Lesanu)

    Ethiopia’s recent agreement with the unrecognized state of Somaliland, granting it access to the Red Sea, is a move that has raised eyebrows across the international community. This controversial decision by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s government, however, is just the tip of the iceberg in a series of domestic and economic crises plaguing Ethiopia.

    Domestically, the Abiy regime has been accused of exacerbating ethnic tensions, particularly targeting the Amhara community and other ethnic groups. Reports of human rights abuses and ethnic violence have marred Ethiopia’s international image and raised questions about the government’s commitment to a cohesive, peaceful, and inclusive national identity. This internal unrest not only destabilizes the nation but also undermines its social fabric, further complicating the task of nation-building. This move by the Abiy regime can be interpreted as an attempt to shift focus from domestic issues. Ethiopia is currently grappling with internal conflicts and economic challenges, including human rights allegations in Amhara and Tigray and a recent default on its debts. By engaging in this agreement, the Ethiopian government seems to be diverting public and international attention away from these pressing issues.

    The economic situation in Ethiopia is equally alarming. The country is currently in a state of default on its debts, a situation that reflects deep-seated economic challenges. The Ethiopian currency, the Birr, is facing the threat of devaluation amidst skyrocketing inflation rates. Such economic turmoil not only affects the day-to-day lives of Ethiopians but also casts doubt on the nation’s ability to meet its international obligations and maintain economic stability.

    Additionally, the Ethiopian economy’s heavy dependence on foreign aid and donations adds another layer of vulnerability. With the international community increasingly concerned about the government’s human rights record and its handling of internal conflicts, there is a real risk that this vital lifeline could diminish. This would further exacerbate the economic crisis, leading to a vicious cycle of poverty and instability.

    The decision to engage with Somaliland must be viewed within this broader context. While seeking access to the Red Sea is a strategic economic move for landlocked Ethiopia, aligning with an entity unrecognized by the international community adds to the nation’s growing list of geopolitical missteps. This not only provokes neighboring countries, particularly Somalia, but also risks alienating key international partners who are crucial for Ethiopia’s economic survival.

    Furthermore, aligning with Somaliland could be seen as Ethiopia implicitly supporting its claim of independence, a stance that directly challenges Somalia’s territorial integrity. Somalia, which views Somaliland as part of its sovereign territory, has reacted strongly against this agreement. This has the potential to escalate tensions between Ethiopia and Somalia, and could even draw in other regional players, increasing the risk of a wider conflict.

    The potential fallout from this agreement extends beyond diplomatic relations. The heightened tension could scare away foreign investors, wary of instability and unpredictability in the region. For Ethiopia, which is in dire need of foreign investment for its economic growth and development, this is a counterproductive outcome.

    Moreover, the possibility of a regional conflict, with countries like Eritrea possibly supporting Somalia against Somaliland and Ethiopia, adds to the already complex and volatile situation in the Horn of Africa. Such a conflict could have disastrous consequences, further destabilizing the region and leading to a humanitarian crisis.

    In conclusion, Ethiopia’s agreement with Somaliland, viewed against the backdrop of domestic ethnic strife, human rights concerns, and a precarious economic situation, reflects a risky gamble by the Abiy Ahmed regime. While the quest for Red Sea access is understandable, the method and timing raise serious questions about the government’s priorities and its understanding of regional dynamics. This move could exacerbate Ethiopia’s challenges, both domestically and internationally, potentially leading to further isolation, economic hardship, and instability. The government’s focus should instead be on addressing its internal issues, stabilizing the economy, and fostering a more inclusive and peaceful national environment.

    (The author can be contacted for further comments or inquiries :  [email protected])

    Opinion are author’s own.

  • Al-Shabaab Militants Claim To Have Overrun Uganda Military Base In Somalia Killing 137 Soldiers

    Al-Shabaab Militants Claim To Have Overrun Uganda Military Base In Somalia Killing 137 Soldiers

    Armed with explosives, Somalia-based Al-Shabaab militants overrun an African Union military base in Somalia on Friday morning, eyewitnesses said, causing massive destruction of infrastructure and possible deaths, but the number is yet to be confirmed by either AU forces or the government of Somalia.

    The militants used a series of explosives to storm the Bulo Marer base which is located about 110 kilometers South of Mogadishu, the Somali capital, which is manned by Uganda People’s Defense Forces [UPDF], witnesses said. The group, using its usual media sites, said it “completely overrun the base”.

    Al-Shabaab claimed to have overrun the base and killed 137 Ugandan soldiers serving under the AU mission in Somalia [ATMIS]. There were no indepenedt sources confirming the claim.

    In a tweet, the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia [ATMIS] confirmed the deadly attack, noting that the forces are “currently assessing the situation”. The peacekeepers did not give the number of casualties from the dawn attack, which comes against the backdrop of sustained operations against the group.

    “This morning, ATMIS Forward Operating Bases [FOB] in Bulo Marer came under Al-Shabab attack,” the mission troops said in a statement without giving many details. “ATMIS forces are currently assessing the security situation. More information will be issued later.”

    According to locals, the troops under attack called for reinforcement, and drones “could be heard everywhere”. The Ugandan troops man Sector I of ATMIS which covers Mogadishu and her environs and has been operating in the country since 2007 when Al-Shabaab first struck in Somalia.

    Friday morning raid is the first serious assault in a military base in as many months and it comes amid reports of “relative stability ” within Mogadishu, informed by the recent first phase operation against the militants which left at least 3,000 Al-Shabaab members dead according to the government.

    Somalia has also asked for reinforcement of non-ATMIS soldiers as it prepares for the second phase of operations against Al-Shabaab in Jubaland and Southwest. “We need your support to crush these militants and we are almost there,” President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud said while confirming that the new contingent from Kenya, Djibouti, and Ethiopia will serve for three months only.

    Early this month, stakeholders including Troops Contributing Countries agreed on a systematic and strategic drawdown of ATMIS troops in Somalia effective June this year. The peacemakers will facilitate scaling down of the first batch of 2000 soldiers and in coming weeks, another 3000 soldiers will leave.

    The attack also comes a few days after the US launched a serious attack against Al-Shabaab in Jilib town, their only known headquarters, injuring Osman Mohamed Abdi, the head of external operations in Al-Shabaab. State media reports that the commander is in a “critical condition”.

    Also, the US sanctioned five Al-Shabaab commanders on Tuesday, with the Treasury Department also designating 26 operatives and individuals who have allegedly been supporting Al-Shabaab militants. This comes days after Al-Shabaab released a video allegedly of its leader Abu Ubaidah, who insisted that the group has not lost territory.

    Recently, the African Union confessed that the war in Somalia has left over 3,500 peacekeepers dead and several injured since they reported to Somalia. The union has used over $200 million for compensation, with a quarter of the money going to injured soldiers, the report notes.

    Cases of raids against peacekeepers are common in Somalia, with the worst raid coming in 2016 when the militants attacked the Kenya Defence Forces FOB in El-Adde, killing over 200 soldiers. The attack, which neither Kenya nor AU has ever released a report on, is the worst in history according to security analysts.

  • Uhuru Rejects ICJ Verdict, Vows To Protect Kenya’s Territory By All Means

    Uhuru Rejects ICJ Verdict, Vows To Protect Kenya’s Territory By All Means

    President Uhuru Kenyatta has vowed to protect and preserve Kenya’s territory by all means.

    Responding to Tuesday ruling by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) that largely favours Somalia in its dispute with Kenya, President Kenyatta tore into the judgment firmly stating that Kenya rejects it in totality and would not recognise the court’s findings.

    “While Kenya is not surprised at the decision, it is profoundly concerned by the import of the decision and its implications for the Horn of Africa region, and international law generally…The decision embodies a perpetuation of the ICJ’s jurisdictional overreach and raises a fundamental question on the respect of the sovereignty and consent of States to international judicial processes. International tribunals have jurisdiction ONLY to the extent of CONSENT by a State” he said in a strongly-worded statement issued from the US moments after addressing a United Nations Security Council meeting.

    He assured as the commander in chief, he was committed to solving the issue amicably while urging for calm stating that the government was seized of the matter.

    “I do not intend to abrogate my solemn oath; and, I will do everything possible as President and Commander-in-Chief, to preserve the territory of this our great Republic and bequeath the same, intact and unencumbered, to the next President when my term expires in less than a year’s time” he said.

    He noted that the judgement would obviously strain the relations between the two countries.

    “Kenya and Somalia are neighbouring States, with a common border, and communities with shared social, cultural and religious practices. This decision is, in the circumstances, a zero-sum game, which will strain the relations between the two countries. It will also reverse the social, political and economic gains; and potentially aggravate the peace and security situation in the fragile Horn of Africa Region” he pointed out.

    He called on the international community to respect Kenya’s sovereignty and her inherent right to protects its territory by all means.

    “Kenya, like other independent Countries, possesses a determined geographical territory. As a devoted member of the United Nations, the United Nations Security Council as well as the African Union’s Peace and Security Council, we beseech the rest of the family of Nations to appreciate and respect our inherent right to protect, by all available means, our territory” said the head of state.

    He said Kenya will pursue the matter through the institutions of the African Union such as the African Union Border Programme and its Peace and Security, architecture, in addition to other bilateral arrangements.

    “Nonetheless, Kenya is committed to a diplomatic solution of the current impasse. In this regard, Kenya, as a key proponent of respect for the principle of subsidiarity as a catalyst for African Solutions for African Problems, will resolve this matter through the institutions of the African Union such as the African Union Border Programme and its Peace and Security, architecture, in addition to other bilateral arrangements”

  • Court Rules In Favor Of Somalia In Maritime Border Row With Kenya

    Court Rules In Favor Of Somalia In Maritime Border Row With Kenya

    The UN’s top court has ruled largely in favour of Somalia in its long-running dispute with Kenya over their maritime border.

    Kenya said on Friday that in addition to withdrawing its participation from the current case, it had joined many other members of the U.N. in withdrawing its recognition of the Court’s compulsory jurisdiction.

    It previously accused the International Court of Justice of bias and said it will not accept the ruling.

    The case concerned a 38,000 sq mile (100,000 sq km) triangle in the Indian Ocean that is thought to be rich in oil and gas.

    The dispute has been at the heart of a diplomatic row between the neighbours.

    For the past four decades, Kenya has said a line due east of the point where the two countries meet at the coast represents the maritime border.

    Somalia, however, argued in court that the sea frontier should follow on in the same direction as the land border.

    The panel of 14 judges sitting in The Hague said that Kenya had not proved that Somalia had previously agreed to its claimed border.

    Instead, they drew a new line which has split the disputed area in two.

    But with Kenya refusing to recognise the ICJ’s jurisdiction it is not now clear what will happen. The court has no means to enforce its rulings.

    In 2009, the two countries had agreed in a memorandum of understanding, backed by the UN, to settle the boundary dispute through negotiation.

    But five years later, Somalia said the talks had failed and it went to the ICJ instead. The Reuters news agency reports that Somalia was angered by Kenya selling exploration licenses in the disputed zone to two multinationals in 2012.

    The court is supposed to be the final arbiter in disputes between nations.

    Kenya argued unsuccessfully that the ICJ should not be involved as the memorandum of understanding was binding.

    Then in March it refused to take part in hearings after having asked for a delay to brief a new legal team.

    It also objected to the presence on the ICJ panel of a Somali judge, saying he should recuse himself.

    Last week, Kenya’s government described the case as a “flawed judicial process”. It added that there was “inherent bias” and that the court was an unsuitable way to resolve the dispute.

  • The Kenya-Somalia Miraa Ban Politics, The Untold

    The Kenya-Somalia Miraa Ban Politics, The Untold

    Meru Governor Peter Munya when he visited Somaliland to negotiate miraa trade deal
    Meru Governor Peter Munya when he visited Somaliland to negotiate miraa trade deal

    Cries that Kenya is being isolated in East African region is no longer news. Uganda, a close ally and business partner changed its mind and routed its oil pipeline via Tanzania; Rwanda gave up the standard gauge railway and chose the Tanzanian route too. After so many years as the regions giant economy Kenya is expected to be more confident than its beginning to sound.

    Certain quarters claim there has been a radical change since the entrance of President John Magufuli, a dictator who is bullying beyond his area of administration.

    Though it must also be noted that some development projects are driven by national ego and patriotic vanity like medical infrastructures it’s not business as usual for Kenya and its neighbours. The country has suffered yet another blow when it’s would be desperate neighbour Somalia banned Kenyan flights carrying herbal stimulant khat (miraa) without any warning, explanation or indication of how long it will be in place.

    Khat is grown in Kenya and Ethiopia but very popular in Somalia. Over 15 commercial cargo flights arrive in Mogadishu daily from Kenya with khat valued at over 400, 000 dollars retail price. So many Kenyans, mostly farmers will be affected if this ban is not lifted. Sellers in Somalia also claim that their families’ livelihoods will be in jeopardy. Civil Aviation minister Ali Ahmed who made the announcement did not give the reason for the temporary ban but he said it was not because Somalia is hosting a regional body meeting on Saturday, Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD).

    Though the Kenyan government promised to support the growers of the crop, mainly from Meru region, miraa as its popularly known in Kenya is under serious threat after it was banned in Europe. It’s also banned in United States and Canada. Arguments by a former addict turned anti-khat campaigner Abukar Awale alone cannot be the reason for the ban, that khat contributes a lot to domestic violence.

    There is something the authorities are not telling miraa farmers and consumers. Kenyan businesses in or Somalia have been under scathing criticism since the beginning of Operation Linda Nchi. Scrupulous Kenyan businessmen or ‘cartels’ have over the time been accused of running illegal charcoal business, shipping to Oman through Somali. How the charcoal gets to Somalia remains a mystery and so is the reason for miraa ban?

    Somali-Somaliland bad blood seems to have caught the governor in the heat. Somali Ambassador to Kenya Gamal Hassan said Mr Munya’s earlier visit to Hargeisa in July had led to political pressure which prompted his government to act.

    The ambassador reportedly say Munya linked the territorial integrity of the country to the miraa trade and interfered in the internal affairs of the country. This he say has created a lot of unbearable pressure on the government leading to the ban.

    While in Somalia, the Meru governor met with Somaliland Deputy President Abdurrahman Ishmael, the Foreign Affairs minister and his Finance counterpart.

    But Mogadishu said Mr Munya’s reported comments on the probable independence of Somaliland angered officials and politicians who are keen to have one united Somalia.

    Munya who’s life is now I’m danger following his own alarm, reads a political malice into it coming at a time when traders across his county, largest miraa producers have been staging demos and counting losses from the ban.

    The governor claimed that former prominent Meru politician Ntai wa Nkuraru was killed over the miraa issue, and he would not want the same to happen to him.

    Calculated move He claimed there was a calculated move by his opponents to malign his name by claiming he was a hindrance in the marketing of the stimulant in the export market. Claims have been rife that the miraa ban came as a result of Munya’s visit to Somaliland early in the year.
  • Kenya: The More Things Change,More They Remain The Same, How Not To Win War Against Al-Shabaab

    Kenya: The More Things Change,More They Remain The Same, How Not To Win War Against Al-Shabaab

    Operation Linda Nchi launched in October 2011 with Kenya setting its military boots in Somalia to combat and wipe out Al-Shabaab, a terror group which kidnapped several tourists within the Kenyan borders bringing one of the country’s top foreign exchange earner (Tourism) to its knees.

    As the operation progressed, Kenya pushed Al Shabaab militants away from its borders taking over Kismayu; a Somalia town whose ports Al-Shabaab used to generate revenue to funds its operations across East Africa.

    Kenya seemed to have weakened the terror group, but its celebrations were short-lived when Al Shabaab changed its style from conventional warfare to asymmetric; hit and run tactic through its cells. Al Shabaab launched several attacks within the Kenyan borders, and Westgate siege was the worst just months into Kenyatta’s administration.

    The attack saw 67 people losing their lives and property worth millions destroyed. The government only blew hot air which never spared the country more attacks. The Minister of Interior then, Joseph Ole Lenku’s inability to man the docket was in broad public glare and so was the lack of coordination between the police and the military handle the rescue operation.

    Ignored Intelligence

    With the hot air having been blown for a few days, the nation forgot and heads were again buried in deep sands then came the Mpeketoni attack. The assailants attack the coastal town for hours setting two hotels on fire and killing dozens of innocent Kenyans.

    The strategy to deal the camouflaging terror group still seems unchanged even when the enemy had set foot within our borders again and torching villages. Rumours of ignored intelligence have never missed after any attack.

    Garissa University attack came days after Britain, the United States and Australia warned their citizens of visiting Garissa and Mombasa among other areas for fear of terror attacks.

    The government came out strong to tell off the west on the travel advisories. “…..I have not heard British issue travel warnings against other European capitals. We want to send a strong message that they will not intimidate us with these threats” President Kenyatta said.

    The Al Shabaab militants in Somalia
    The Al Shabaab militants in Somalia

    Foreign embassies had known that attack was imminent, but these advisories were ignored because Kenya loosely thought that Britain was hitting back because of the stalemate with the British training programme.

    British foreign secretary Phillip Hammond criticised Kenya for sitting on intelligence information making it hard to review the warnings. It’s the duty of the government to protect its people and property, continuous and similar attacks claiming lives have no place but dangerous security strategy that would checkmate the enemy.

    Al Shabaab has now resorted to attacking the countries security forces. The worst being the January 15 attack in Kenya’s defence camp in El Ade, Somalia. The attack that saw over a hundred soldiers killed and several captured was also blamed on ignored intelligence.

    Kenya is becoming a place where things happen, and people move on. The recent attack on five police officers by Al Shabaab in El Wak, Mandera County as they escort a bus is a clear indication that the strategy to deal with Al-Shabaab is failing.

    Kenya is fighting a war whose end is not known but what is ailing its counter-terrorism strategy is known. Ignorance of intelligence reports has seen even the National Intelligence Service (NIS) on the back foot, corruption, majorly in police and immigration departments and weak anti-terror strategy despite having a competent force.

    Corruption

    Police are one the most corrupt institutions in Kenya and some of its senior officers have been suspected of rocking the anti-terror boat from within. The military incursion whose aim was to create some buffer state to keep Somalia’s instability away from Kenya has achieved the opposite. No buffer state has been established through Jubaland bringing Somali chaos closer to home. The militant group in their propaganda videos have often reinstated that penetrating into Kenyan borders are the easiest since the poorly paid security officers quickly take up bribes, this allows them to roam freely.

    In the case of Mpeketoni, the killers were said to have penetrated through from Somalia passing untouched despite the numerous police blockages, reports of bribery to facilitate the movement was reported. Ignoring intelligence is the greatest failure that is costing the country. Evidently, theres a poor coorporation between the Nation Intelligence Service and law enforcement officers or pure broadcast of incompetence.

    Talking openly and critising the loopholes in the security system is quickly silenced with muzzling arrest of those who are brave enough to speak up. For how long as a country will we be silent while the problems we’re facing can be prevented by pushing for the security organs to tighten the noose and be more competent? Will this article be the ignition of an arrest warrant on the writer? All said, Kenya need to be more secure, the law enforcers need not to perish but the enemies.

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