HUNDREDS of demonstrators yesterday took to the streets of Dhobley in support of Kenyan troops pursuing al Shabaab. They criticised Somali President Sheikh Sharif Ahmed for his remarks that Kenyan troops were not welcome in Somalia. And in Mombasa Immigration minister Otieno Kajwang said that screening of Somalis would be stepped up before they received identity documents.
Ahmed said on Monday that the Somali government was not happy because the Kenyan incursion had gone beyond the initial agreement for logistical support for Somali soldiers. Kenya sent thousands of troops and heavy weapons into Somalia 10 days ago to push al Shabaab rebels away from the border, following a series of kidnappings. Kenyan soldiers have advanced on several fronts with Somali troops and allied militias but there has yet to be a serious battle with al Shabaab. The first major confrontation is expected to be in the strategic transit town of Afmadow.
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