Kenya mourns soldiers killed in Somalia attack

Kenyan leaders on Friday paid tribute to soldiers who were killed in last week's Al-Shabaab attack that took place in southern Somalia.

President Uhuru Kenyatta, Deputy President William Ruto, ex-Prime Minister Raila Odinga, members of the diplomatic core amongst other leaders visited the wounded soldiers in hospital and later joined the soldier's family members in mourning fallen heroes.

Speaking at the hospital in Nairobi, Kenyatta said all Kenyans are grateful to the soldiers who sacrificed their lives to ensure the country is safe.

"All Kenyans, regardless of faith, are joined in prayer for the souls of our fallen heroes, and in thanks to God for blessing us with men and women of character and patriotism," Kenyatta told the soldiers.

He said the attack has only renewed Kenya's determination to destroy Al-Shabaab and all terrorist groups that threaten Kenya.

"Every Kenyan must understand that this is a war that requires that we be united as a nation, that we stand shoulder to shoulder to face the enemy of humanity. That we should not be deterred no matter the challenges they try to push our way," Kenyatta said.

He urged the government and people of Somalia to seize the opportunity to build a peace and prosperous country.

"You have suffered greatly in the last quarter of a century. We have walked with you, and have shed blood fighting by your side. It is your moment to demonstrate that you are ready to build a stable and credible government in control of your entire territory," he said.

Ex-Prime minister Raila Odinga urged the soldiers to ensure that Shabaab and other terror groups must be stopped at all cost.

Odinga said that the country must stand together and take the battle to Al-Shabaab who have been trying to stop us violently.

"We must stand up in unison for our common peace, our freedom and our way of life. As a tribute to our soldiers, let us teach our children that we must not succumb to the forces of fear," he said.

He noted that the opposition and the ruling coalition may not exactly agree on how best to tackle the Al- Shabaab threat but they are united in wiping out terrorism.

"We may not agree on how best to fight Al-Shabaab and secure our land. But we are in agreement that the terror groups are bad for Kenya, they are bad for Somalia, and they are bad for the whole world," Odinga said.

He called on Kenyans to stand up against blind hatred as a tribute towards the heroes.

"Let us stand up against violence. Let us stand up and protect the right to life. Let us overcome evil with good," he said. Endit