A troop of Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) soldiers has returned back home following their withdrawal from the fight against the Al Shabaab extremist group in Somalia.
The soldier who served under the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), withdrew from the mission as part of the drawdown plan struck by the participating nations.
In a statement, KDF explained that the partial withdrawal of forces will help Somalia’s government assume full responsibility for its security.
The soldiers landed at Embakasi Garrison on Thursday, January 26 and they were welcomed by General Officer Commanding Eastern Command Major General Juma Mwinyikayi.
In his address, the GOC thanked the troops for delivering the ATMIS mandate and upholding a high degree of professionalism and hard work in their endeavor to maintain peace and security not only in Somalia but also within Kenya and in other regions.
“We are proud of you for completing your mission and may you continue to display a high level of discipline as you resume your duties in various deployments,” said Maj Gen Mwinyikayi.
He added that the troops will undergo routine post-deployment counselling programs for a swift transition back to their day-to-day lives.
The reception of the troops was also attended by a host of Senior Officers, Officers, and Service Members.
