The terror attack on Tuesday at the Dusit D2 in Nairobi has contributed to a debate that has rather appeared to be sensitive with many people noting that all terrorists at are of Somali descent and Islam.
This has seen several Kenya Defence force security officers leave their jobs for what they say is frustration, poor working conditions and “unfounded accusations of being terrorists sympathisers”.
This comes as the National Intelligence Service and the military intelligence wing are said to be closely monitoring officers, mainly Muslims, over alleged radicalisation in security facilities.
According to a revelation by one of the officers,‘They don’t trust us. You know, my friend, we serve this country with dedication. But it is disheartening to be branded a terror sympathiser and enemy within, Military commanders cannot trust us anymore. At one time, we were sent to a border town for an operation to flush out al Shabaab. But four colleagues and I were called back to Nairobi without explanation.”
Other people been monitored are prison warders at Shimo la Tewa and Kamiti. The officers are accused of “indoctrinating” fellow warders and inmates.
Some officers are also accused of leaking sensitive security intelligence and frustrating the government’s efforts in combating terror.
According to one of the officers, “when we choose to quit because we feel we are not being seen as gallant officers like others, ready to defend our country. They [commanders] say we are quitting because we intend to join al Shabaab.”
Officers said after the January 15 El Adde attack in Somalia, one KDF officer of Somali origin was “unjustly” accused of setting up his colleagues in the Amisom base, leading to the death of about 200 soldiers.
Other officers were “sidelined” after the Operation Linda Nchi where KDF crossed to Somalia in 2011.
“Many of us are at the front line defending this nation. We served in the most dangerous assignments in Somalia, for instance. But, we are suspected of having links with terrorists. This is not good for comrades,” he said.
A mosque in a major military camp within the city is being monitored and lectures closely followed, he said.
“Such behaviour won’t advance this country’s interests. It only breeds insecurity and creates loopholes in fighting against the enemy,” he said.