Kenyans deny any military involvement in illegal trade in Somalia.
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Ministry of
Defense Cabinet Secretary Rachelle Omamo said Kenya Defense Force (KDF)
soldiers have always acted professionally in fighting Al-Shabaab militants in
Somalia.
"KDF’s
entry into Somalia was a game changer and efforts to isolate KDF should be seen
as a bigger plan to weaken the success of African forces in Somalia to the
advantage of those interested in the status quo," Omamo said in a
statement issued in Nairobi.
"Reports
alleging that KDF’s involvement in the charcoal and sugar trade in Kismayu
(southern Somalia) is misplaced and ill intentioned for they deliberately fail
to acknowledge that the KDF does not control the seaport nor are they charged
with the management of the Kismayu harbour".
The report,
which was launched in Nairobi on Thursday by Journalists For Justice (JFJ)
rights group, said the KDF is involved in a 400 million U.S. dollars sugar and
charcoal smuggling business that funds 'al-Shabaab' militants in Somalia.
However,
Omamo said Kenya has made great strides in the prevention of illegal sugar
business along the common border with Somalia.
She said KDF
on Wednesday intercepted a lorry carrying 400 bags of illegal sugar and
assorted contraband which was destined for Dadaab refugee camp and handed it
over to Kenya Revenue Authority in Garissa for prosecution.
Omamo said
Kenya has made appeals for a comprehensive resolution to the charcoal issue in
Kismayu but her presentations have fallen on deaf ears.
"Accordingly
we categorically refute and reject the allegations of complicity in the illegal
charcoal trade in Somalia.
"As a
country, Kenya has sacrificed a great deal including her soldiers paying the
ultimate price of death to ensure success of the AMISOM operation," Omamo
said.
She said
Kenya is dedicated to ensuring that peace, stability and tranquility prevails
not only in the region but also in the world.
Kenyans deny any military involvement in illegal trade in Somalia.
Kenya Ministry of Defense has denied allegations that its soldiers undertaking peacekeeping mission in Somalia are involved in illegal sugar and charcoal smuggling racket in the Horn of Africa nation.