Operation Linda Nchi..A worthy cause?

"..Our nation is at war against a far-reaching network of hatred and violence..."

These were the sentiments echoed by newly elected U.S. President Barack Obama during his inaugural address on January 20, 2009.More than two years later, and thousands of kilometers away, Kenya is at war supposedly with the same "far-reaching" network, otherwise known as Al-Shabaab, in the horn of Africa region.

Provoked to conflict by repeated incursions by the militia inside our country, Kenyan military forces have taken it upon themselves to rid our country of this ragtag militia -even push further into the heartland of Somalia with an aim to putting a decisive end to the menace.Dubbed Operation Linda Nchi, the military offensive aims to secure our country's borders by pushing the Al-Shabaab insurgents as far back as possible.And while it may be true that the guerrillas -and their sympathizers- have taken advantage of and abused our hospitality and deserve to be banished from existence, have we taken time to consider the ramifications of such an intensive military operation, both within and without our beloved country?

For one, reprisal attacks are bound to follow and the ability and capacity of our nation's security apparatus to  prevent, investigate and forestall such attacks is highly in doubt.Secondly, just what is the long term strategy for this war? Do we intend to maintain a presence there until we can safely hand over to the Transitional Federal Government troops or are we going to pull out once the initial offensive is over?Lastly, are we able to maintain the heightened state of security within our borders to actually ensure that sympathetic elements to the Al-Shabaab are rooted out and REMAIN outside our country?

Whatever the long-term plan, as citizens, we must remain united even during such times of uncertainty and risk.We also should remain vigilant, reporting any suspicious activities to the relevant authorities.