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{
    "id": 427554,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/427554/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 267,
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    "speaker": null,
    "content": "Mr. Speaker, Sir, while my colleagues have talked about history, I would like to talk about what the KDF is doing right now. The KDF did a wonderful job. When I was in Germany recently, I was very proud as former Minister for Defence, because when the countries of Europe had doubts as to the intention of Kenya going into Somalia, one of the speakers who spoke to us was a Director of Foreign Affairs by the name Dr. Khadim. He recognized the role played by Kenya, through its defence forces, in securing Somalia and in particular, Kismayo, which was the heart of the menace of those who were hijacking ships, which affected our trade and the trade of many East African countries. Mr. Speaker, Sir, he also told us how happy they were when the Cabinet Secretary (CS) for Foreign Affairs, Amb. Amina, visited them and brought them up to date about the happenings in this country. They were very happy to know the progress that Kenya is making under the new Constitution. All this indicates that the leadership of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) from the top – the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), the service commanders and the other high ranking file – are doing a very good job. Not to mention that there are neighbouring countries who have been in Somalia for the last 10 years and they could not venture out of Mogadishu. Even inside Mogadishu, they lost soldiers in their hundreds. By the time I left, the KDF had only suffered the death of only eight troops. That clearly indicates how well trained our soldiers are; how disciplined they are and how committed in fulfilling any assignment that is given to them. Mr. Speaker, Sir, His Excellency the President needs to be commended by this House. When war broke out in South Sudan, he was the first Head of State to visit the county to bring together the warring factions. Not only that, when several political leaders in that country were detained, he went and secured their release; they were handed over to him here in Kenya. All this is an attribute of a good leadership. We hope and pray that this will continue. We want to tell our soldiers wherever they are heko ; we pray for you, we are with you; please continue with the good service that you are doing. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir."
}