Kenyans urged to unite to defeat terrorists

Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta on Thursday called on citizens to unite to help defeat terrorists who have killed innocent people and maimed thousands others.

Kenyatta said plans of the terrorists can be defeated by strengthening national unity among Kenyans and lauded the country's military for mounting onslaught on the militants.

"The prosperity of a nation depends on how the crucial factors of peace, security, governance and sound economic development policies are brought to act on each other for the advancement of the society," he said during the commissioning parade of Officer Cadets' in Nakuru County.

The cadets said the cadets commissioned on Thursday from Tanzania, Rwanda, Uganda and Burundi thus strengthening the brotherhood of the East African nations.

The East African nation has been a soft target for terrorist activities since 1998 and the menace has evolved as radical groups from the Horn of Africa infiltrate the country to kill and maim innocent civilians.

Security analysts say what has changed and is noticeable for is the increase in vigilance by the general public and the fact that if they see something that they consider to be suspicious, they are more likely to report it to the police than they were.

The police, on their side, he said, are becoming more professional in their assessment of potential incidents, the experts said.

Kenyatta praised the Kenyan Defense and security forces for their role in protecting the country against armed but cowardly criminals to destabilize the country

He said Defense and security forces work long and hard to keep Kenya safe, especially in deterring terrorist attacks and the vice of radicalization.

The Kenyan leader however pointed out that military might alone is not enough to defeat terrorists and called on all patriotic Kenyans to forge a united front against the attackers.

He urged the commissioned officers to abide by the tenets of the Officer's Creed and maintain a clear sense of direction that will enable them to lead by example and be a source of inspiration to fellow officers.

Kenyatta pointed out that the training of cadets will enable them to appreciate the role of "a professional defense force in achieving national goals".

He reaffirmed government commitment to modern training of security forces that is relevant to the ever evolving security environment.

The President told the new cadets to serve the nation with dedication and transmit to those who come after them the true character of the Kenya Defense Forces Officer.

"And you can be sure of my government's support if you maintain the high standards of your predecessors," Kenyatta said. Enditem