Kenya will defend itself, says Kibaki
2011-10-20 15:02
Nairobi - Kenya will use all measures necessary to protect its territory, President Mwai Kibaki said on Thursday in his first comments since Nairobi sent troops into southern Somalia.
"We will defend our territorial integrity through all measures necessary to ensure peace and stability," Kibaki told a meeting in the capital.
"Our security forces have begun operations within and outside of our borders against militants who have sought to destabilise our country," he said.
Kenya was "working closely with the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia ... and the African Union", he added.
"I commend our men and women in uniform who are engaged in this operation.
"We pray for their safety and security as they embark on defending our country, as we decisively deal with this threat to our national security," the president said.
"The security of our country, though, 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," he went on.
"We should all be vigilant and as true patriots, ensure that we identify the bad elements among us.
"The hospitality of the Kenyan people must never be abused by some bad elements," Kibaki said in an apparent reference to possible Islamist infiltrators among Somali refugees.
The government would provide "adequate security in all parts of the country," he added.
