Mogadishu,(AMISOM) – Kenyan Police officers serving under the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) were on Friday feted for their distinguished service to the Mission.
The six officers, who completed their tour of duty in Somalia, were awarded medals and certificates, on Friday, at a function held in the Somali capital, Mogadishu.
The ceremony was presided over by the Acting AMISOM Police Commissioner, Daniel Ali Gwambal, and other senior AMISOM officials. Also in attendance were Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIGP), Edward Mwamburi, and a Commissioner of Police (CP), Bernard Nyakwaka, both from the Kenya Police Service (KPS).
Mr. Gwambal, hailed the officers for a job well done, noting that both Kenya and AMISOM were proud of their enormous contribution to the stabilization process of Somalia.
“During the course of their tour of duty, none of them has been found either wanting in the discharge of their duties or otherwise,” he said.
Mr. Gwambal added; “They have served their part and are worthy ambassadors, and I believe that the medals presented to them today is to show the appreciation of the AMISOM Police Component.”
Speaking at the same function, Mr. Mwamburi noted that Kenya has distinguished itself as one of the leading providers of peacekeepers to a number of missions, with the one in Somalia being critical to peace and stability in the continent.
“Despite working in very challenging environment in Somalia, you have defied all odds and performed exceptionally well, setting a high standard to other officers,” he added.
Mr. Mwamburi said Kenya was satisfied with the contribution of the six officers, adding that the country will continue supporting peacekeeping efforts in Africa and the rest of the world.
The six Kenyans served as Individual Police Officers (IPOs) during their stay in Somalia and conducted numerous training and mentorship sessions for Somali Police Officers in various parts of the country.
The AMISOM Police Component comprises Formed Police Units (FPUs) and Individual Police Officers (IPOs), with the former providing operational support for the Somali Police Force, while the latter trains and mentors the officers.
