The inaugural Kenyan Contingent (KENCON) troops under the East African Community Regional Force (EACRF) being deployed to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) was on Saturday,12 November 2022, flagged off by the Chief of Defence Forces General Robert Kibochi at Embakasi Garrison.
This deployment comes barely two weeks after His Excellency President William Samoei Ruto, Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces, presented the national flag to the troops, in which he urged them to fly high the Kenyan flag.
Speaking during the event, Gen Kibochi was certain that the troops were mission ready after requisite training, affirming that they are prepared to execute the tasks as specified in the mandate.
He further urged the troops to not only maintain discipline amongst themselves but further enhance good relations with the people of DRC and other peacekeepers operating in the country.
“You are the arrowheads, you are making history being the first team going on a peacekeeping mission under the East Africa Community therefore write a good one. Kenya has a good peacekeeping record and I hope you maintain the same. Politically and diplomatically you are there for disarmament, demobilization and reintegration,” he reiterated.
On Wednesday this week, the National Assembly gave a nod to KDF to deploy in the Eastern DRC. The continent will be in solution amid the heightened conflict in the area of operation.
The Vice Chief of Defence Forces Lieutenant General Francis Ogolla, Service Commanders, General officers, Senior Officers, Officers and service members were also present to see off the troops.
Boots on the ground
The Kenyan soldiers landed in the city of Goma in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo on Saturday, as part of a regional military operation targeting rebels in the conflict-torn region.
Their arrival comes as the M23 militia has surged across the DRC’s North Kivu province, capturing swathes of territory and inflaming tensions in central Africa, reported AFP.
Two planes carrying about 100 Kenyan troops touched down in Goma airport on Saturday, according to AFP reporters present, where they were greeted by local dignitaries.
Kenyan Lieutenant-Colonel Dennis Obiero told reporters that their mission is “to conduct offensive operations” alongside Congolese forces and to assist in disarming militias.
“Insecurity is something which breaks up the social fabric,” he added, explaining that the Kenyan contingent would also work alongside humanitarian agencies in a bid to bring stability to the eastern DRC.
