Kenya not cowed by terrorist attacks, DP William Ruto says

Deputy President William Ruto speaking when he opened a three-day regional conference on Countering Violent Extremism at Kenyatta International Convention Center (KICC) on June 25, 2015. PHOTO | BILLY MUTAI | NATION MEDIA GROUP 

In Summary

• The country had suffered from attacks because of its front line position in the war against international terrorism.
• Ms Zewde said it is important that Kenya continues to offer hospitality until the refugees are ready to return to their countries.

By CAROLINE WAFULA
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Deputy President William Ruto has said Kenya will continue to fight terrorism and will not be cowed by extremist attacks.

Speaking during a regional conference on Countering Violent Extremism , Mr Ruto said Kenya was committed to fighting terrorism.

Interior and National Coordination Cabinet Secretary Maj. Gen (Rtd) Joseph Nkaissery said the country had suffered from attacks because of its frontline position in the war against international terrorism.

"We have and continue to take a lead role and firm position in the region in dealing with terrorists' networks and other related transnational crimes.

"This position has offended the terrorist organisations that have placed Kenya as one of their key targets in the region,” he said.

REFUGEES

The three-day regional conference brought together about 300 participants comprising of international and local security experts, policy makers, government officials, religious leaders as well as Islamic scholars and civil society.

Director General of the United Nations Office in Nairobi Ms Sahle-Work Zewde addressed the conference and called on Kenya to reconsider its decision to close refugee camps.

Ms Zewde said it is important that Kenya continues to offer hospitality until the refugees are ready to return to their countries.

Interior Ministry Principal Secretary Monica Juma said disrupting, degrading and ultimately destroying the radicalisation networks is critical and should be prioritised in the war on terror groups.

She said it is also important to understand radicalisation as an operational and political process.

"The reality calls for close examination of the architecture and drivers of violent extremism in order to evolve strategies to insulate and secure these spaces," she said.

The government has been pushing for the closure of the two main refugee camps — Kakuma and Daadab — following reports that terrorists had been planning their activities in those campus.