The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) operated bases in Bardera, Busar and El Adde, all of which it has since abandoned. It also had forward operating bases (FOBs) in Taraka and Fafadun, from which it also withdrew.
WHen they withdrew from Bardera in September 2017, it fell back into the hands of Al-Shabaab.
Just recently Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) soldiers abandoned a military base in a town that was liberated in the first 100 days of their entry into Somalia.
A senior politician from Gedo, Somalia who requested not to be named for fear of reprisals by both KDF and Somali security forces, told the Nation that the troops were spotted heading towards the Somali border after destroying their military.
In Nairobi, military chiefs who have been holding a series of meetings over the happenings in Somalia are said to be unhappy with the operations of the mission.
The issue got worse a few weeks ago after KDF withdrew its soldiers from military bases and forward operating bases in the Gedo region, a move which Somali leaders claim could affect security progress achieved so far.
Gedo, Lower Juba and Middle Juba regions make up the state of Jubaland, whose president is Ahmed Madobe, a Kenyan ally.
KDF has declined to respond to Nation queries on what transpired or orchestrated the sudden withdrawal, a move that has been criticised within Amisom and in Villa Somalia, the official residence of the Somali president, according to sources.
Instead of giving an official response on behalf of the Kenyan military, KDF spokesperson Colonel Paul Njuguna referred the Nation to Amisom.
“The sectors are strategically realigning their forces to offer effective protection to Somali populations and support the Somali National Army as they pacify their areas of responsibility,” Lieutenant-Colonel Richard Omwega, the Amisom spokesperson, said.
Whereas the Nation learnt that Kenyan troops had crossed the border, Amisom denied any knowledge. “As far as Amisom is concerned, no troops have crossed the border to Kenya,” Lt-Col Omwega said.
Should Kenya leave Somalia?