By BRUHAN MAKONG
Sunday November 5, 2023
Defense CS Aden Duale addressing the press after casting his vote at the Garissa library polling station. The polls were characterized by low voter turnout. /KNA
Defense Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has called on the leaders in the Coast region to take the leading role in advocating for peaceful co-existence of the communities rather than fanning conflicts.
Duale was speaking on Saturday in Lamu’s Kizingitini area, where he accompanied President William Ruto on a four-day tour of the region.
He stressed the critical importance of unity for the development of a region that has lagged behind due to security challenges, including terrorism.
He pleaded with the leaders from Lamu County and the entire region to follow the example of leaders from other parts of the country who have joined hands in preaching for peace.
“I call on the leaders from Lamu County to be mindful of their words. It is our desire that every ethnic and religious groups can co-exist peacefully for the good of our country,” Duale said.
As the government intensifies war on terror, CS Duale said that the war on terror can only be won through collaboration between every citizen and leader in the country.
Lamu is one of the counties that has been grappling with terrorism in recent months that has left dozens of dead including civilians and security agencies.
Most of the terrorist incidences have been blamed on the Somalia-based Al-Qaeda-affiliated jihadist group Al-Shabaab.
“We have one common enemy called Al-Shabaab,” Duale said even as he said that the government will continue to go after every individual linked to terrorism till the menace is completely eradicated.
The Defense CS said that Lamu residents can only achieve the maximum benefits of the newly constructed Lamu Port when there is stability.
“The national security interest of our country is important for the port of Lamu which is essential in job creation for our youth,” he added.
On October 9, Duale’s Interior counterpart, Kithure Kindiki disclosed that the Government had identified the ringleaders and planners of the atrocities in Lamu County.
The revelation came amidst increased cases of attacks in the region in recent months that has left dozens dead sparking outrage among the members of the public.
CS Kindiki warned at the time that those using religion and historical grievances as an excuse to kill and maim the citizens will face the full force of the law.
“We will pursue and neutralize all these criminals,” Kindiki said.