Kenyans on social media pay tribute to gallant KDF soldiers

Kenyans on social media have paid a glowing tribute to soldiers who were injured and wounded in the Al Shabaab attack that took place at the African Union Mission in Somalia’s (AMISOM) El Adde base last Friday.

Thanking them for their courage and sacrifice, Kenyans posted pictures and messages in honour of the heroes, even as President Uhuru Kenyatta held a special remembrance event to celebrate the gallant Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) officers.

The Head of State, who came back from a month-long tour of the coast, was accompanied by First Lady Margaret Kenyatta, Deputy President William Ruto, opposition leader Raila Odinga, members of the dpolomatic core amongst other leaders.

William, Margaret, Raila, Kalonzo, Wetangula & I visit soldiers recuperating at the Armed Forces Memorial Hospital. pic.twitter.com/B86Itu1AXV

— President of Kenya (@PresidentKE) January 22, 2016

We will stand firm and we shall prevail upon all evil. #HounoringOurHeros pic.twitter.com/yMG91929QC

— William Samoei Ruto (@WilliamsRuto) January 22, 2016

Using hash tags such as #KDFOurHeroes and #HonouringOurHeroues social media users thanked KDF for keeping the nation safe by combatting terror in the region.

You did ur duty, u paid the supreme price,u will 4ever b remembered 4 ur sacrifice.May God grant u peace in ur eternal rest. #KDFOurHeroes

— Xavier Evans (@EvansXavier) January 22, 2016

#KDFOurHeroes U've honoured us as a country wth ur big sacrifice, we can't honor u enough bt we r grateful ~speedy recovery to thse injured

— Millicent Wangui (@MillyQui_) January 22, 2016

You have fought the good fight… #KDFHeroesVigil #KDFOurHeroes @wmurigu @Mollis_kot @TheKenyanPost @BettKMax pic.twitter.com/ngr4nBmF3V

— Kashfa (@Kashfacartoon) January 22, 2016

You have kept us safe for that #NoWords you are our Heros and Heroines #KDFOurHeroes pic.twitter.com/iMgyOPa4J6

— Brian Khaniri (@BKhaniri) January 18, 2016

#HonouringOurHeroes I honour you my brothers, my countrymen. You died so that I may live peacefully. For that, I'll forever be greatful!

— Kennedy Runo (@Kennedyruno) January 22, 2016

Our fallen KDF soldiers we will live to honour you for paying the ultimate sacrifice you are my hero. pic.twitter.com/v5KiiXHIIX

— mary gitonga (@marygitonga2) January 20, 2016

Many tweeters urged the government to remember the families of the fallen and injured soldiers, ensuing that they are taken care of.

#DearMrPresident @UhuruKenyatta Don't forget the families of our fallen KDF Soldiers.

— Lekomboi david (@LekomboiJnr) January 19, 2016

KDF soldiers killed

At about 4:00am on last Friday morning, Al Shabaab militants overran an AMISOM base in Somalia killing an unconfirmed number of soldiers.

President Uhuru Kenyatta confirmed that some members of the Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) lost their lives in the Al Shabaab raid, adding that he mourns with the families of the slain army officers.

“Regrettably, some of our patriots in uniform paid the ultimate price. It is heart-breaking. I want to take this opportunity to express mine and the country’s deepest sympathy to the families and loved ones of the fallen. I stand with you. Our country stands with you,” said Kenyatta.

The Head of State, who is also the Commander-in-Chief of Kenya’s armed forces, said that the army will stay put in Somalia.

“We will not be cowed by these cowards. With our allies, we will continue in Somalia to fulfill our mission,” affirmed Kenyatta.

The KDF soldiers who were slain are a part of AMISOM, a regional peacekeeping mission operated by the African Union with the approval of the United Nations.

AMISOM, whose main mandate is to reduce the threat posed by Al Shabaab, has several bases across Somalia, and they have been in existence since January 2007.