OPINION: Why vigilance remains the price for peace 28 years later

Throughout the centuries of human existence, diverse catastrophes have shaped the coexistence of the human race and patterns of interrelationship among independent states in the quest to restore order and prevent bloodshed.

Such has been the scourge of global terrorism, which for decades now remains one of the major existential threats plaguing peace-loving countries across the Globe, including Kenya, as for the first time in massive scale on August 7, 1998. 

On that day, whose 28th anniversary coincides with this Friday, August 7, 2026, the Al- Qaeda terrorist group simultaneously bombed the US Embassies in Nairobi and Dar es Salaam; in the first-ever major terror attacks in the region, claiming more than 200 lives and maiming thousands more. 

Since then, key masterminds of the attacks, including then Al Qaeda Leader Osama Bin Laden and chief mastermind of the East Africa attacks Fazul Abdullah Mohammed, have been eliminated in exceptionally coordinated counter-terrorism operations.

However, this monster of terrorism still remains alive, and dangerously lurking in the shadows of these very streets that we walk today, some 28 years later.

Many people have also been killed in subsequent attacks perpetrated by the Somalia-based Al-Shabaab terrorist group, including the devastating attacks in the Westage Mall, Dusit Complex, Mpeketoni and in several other scattered strikes in parts of the Coast and North Eastern region.

On this anniversary, we honour the lives of those we lost, stand with the survivors, and pay tribute to the brave first responders and ordinary Kenyans for their extraordinary courage in the face of the unimaginable devastation, occasioned by that barbaric act.

This anniversary, though, should not merely be a moment of remembrance, but an opportunity for reflection and renewed collective commitment to vigilance against this monster of terrorism that continues to scourge peace-loving countries like Kenya.

Terrorism has, over the years, evolved, becoming increasingly more complex, more technologically enabled, and largely even more transnational in execution methods.

This reality demands that Kenya remain more vigilant, resilient and united in the counter-terrorism war.

The August 1998 bombing taught us for the first time that terrorism does not distinguish between nationality, religion, ethnicity or profession.

Its perpetrators serve the singular objective of spreading fear, disrupting societies and undermining confidence in public institutions.

Today, intelligence-led operations, regional cooperation and enhanced crossborder security operations  are critical pillars of our national security strategy, as Kenya leads by example in the fight of this global threat.

As Chairperson of the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations, I have had the privilege to witness the dedication, professionalism and sacrifice of intelligence community and the men and women who serve our nation in uniform.

Many of the successes of our security and intelligence agencies remain unknown to the public, and for good reasons. 

This is the nature of their work.

As the changing nature of modern threats calls for greater investment in technology, cyber security, intelligence analysis and international partnerships, my committee and indeed the National Assembly of Kenya, equally remains committed to ensuring that these institutions are adequately resourced, equipped and supported to undertake their work.

Equally, our greatest defence against terrorism, however, begins with vigilant citizens, that must always be ready to report suspicious activities through the appropriate channels; and refuse manipulation of the few who seek to sow fear and division.

As we remember the victims of the 1998 bombing, let us also honour them by reaffirming our collective commitment to safeguarding our nation.

Twenty-eight years after that devastating morning, the lesson remains clear: remembrance must inspire preparedness, unity and resolve working together.

As citizens, institutions and leaders, we can ensure that tragedy remains a just a somber chapter in our history, but should never be repeated so that future generations inherit a Kenya that is secure, resilient and at peace.

The writer is the Chairperson of the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations.