Inside Duale's day out over security matters in Lamu

Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale on Saturday had a field day at Lamu county.

He visited the  Kenya Navy Base and later went to the Witu Forward Operating Base (FOB).

Incidents of attacks by militants in the coastal county have been on the rise in recent weeks.

The CS said that the visit was necessary to engage and encourage Kenya's frontline troops which are deployed at the base.

"I was impressed by their high level of patriotism, discipline and dedication to duty by working round the clock every day to ensure that the rest of their countrymen and women enjoy peace," Duale explained.

The CS also assured the troops of the Kenya Kwanza government's support and facilitation to enable them discharge their noble duty of protection and defence of our motherland more effectively and efficiently.

The former Garissa township MP later held a meeting with area leaders and security personnel.

Duale was accompanied by Lamu Governor Issa Timamy, General Officer Commanding Eastern Command GOC (EastComm) Major General Juma Mwinyikayi and other National Government Administration Officers (NGAO) from the County

The CS said the meeting was necessary to engage with the local leadership, heads of security and intelligence as well as the community to discuss ways we can work together in the war against extremism and the rampant terrorism activities in the area.

"I informed the leaders, led by Governor Timamy, that we are dedicated to ensure there’s peace not only in Lamu but the entire coastal region to reclaim its former glory as a leading tourism destination and a key contributor to economic growth of our country," Duale said.

The CS emphasized that the success of the five pillars of the Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) is anchored on investment in formidable security infrastructure that will affirm investor confidence.

Duale urged that the leaders and the community need to work closely with the  security agencies in sharing intelligence to destabilize the networks of the enemy and forestall any further attacks from armed militias.

"I reminded them that the Government has made a serious investment at the Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia Transport (LAPSSET) Corridor which calls for concerted efforts from all of us to protect this critical investment, life and property of the locals," he added.

Duale reaffirmed that the Kenya Defence Forces remains committed to discharge its primary mandate of defending and protecting the Republic of Kenya.

He insisted that KDF will protect Kenya against any external aggression and readiness to collaborate with other security agencies to restore normalcy in any disturbed part of the country.

" We shall remain steadfast to collaborate with other security agencies protect the lives of the citizens and residents of our Republic and at the same time protect their property," Duale said.

Finalizing his Lamu tour, the CS engaged with locals at Faza Island in Lamu East over security issues.

Duale put on stern notice members of the outlawed terrorist groups and their extremist collaborators that their days are numbered.

" Your days are numbered since we have reactivated intelligence and improved our surveillance systems to spot and arrest possible threats. We shall soon catch up with them," he said.

In addition, Duale reassured the locals that the incoming countrywide KDF recruitment shall be free and fair to all qualified youths across the country and encouraged them to participate without fear of discrimination.