The German government has pledged to give Kenya two million Euros in the fight against terrorism.
This was announced on Saturday by German Ambassador to Kenya, Annett Gunther during the World War 1 commemorative event held at the Taveta Military Cemetery which was also attended by the British High Commissioner, Nic Hailey and the Australian Deputy High Commissioner, Johnathan Ball.
“Today we pledge to supplement the efforts being made by the British administration who have been training 1000 Kenyan soldiers at the Improvised Explosive Devices (IUD) centre,” said Gunther.
She noted that since the end of the said war, the two countries have become allies who have decided to ensure that the world over and Kenya in particular enjoyed peace.
The Ambassador said that together with Britain, they had overcome the animosity created during the two World Wars and as such, had come together to Taita Taveta County which was the epicenter of one of the said wars, adding which was not the making of the Africans.
Gunther observed that her country was playing a major role in the United Nations Security Council in bringing peace in all warring countries.
Hailey on his part said that he regretted that a war which Africans in the East African region did not start had claimed 18million people worldwide.
“Today United Kingdom is standing together with a foe turned ally – the Germans to commemorate 100 years since the end of the World War 1. We thank the Kenyan government for ensuring graves where our people were buried are well kept.”
The High Commissioner further said that it was for this reason that her country is assisting in training the Kenyan troops in Somalia to ensure that peace and security in particular was enhanced.
He also saluted those who died during the bloodiest war ever experienced in the world especially the Africans who acted as porters for the British soldiers.
Meanwhile, drama was not left behind as the delegation which included a granddaughter and the great-great grandson of the WW1 German Commander, Fredrick Broecker, were unable to access the Salaita Hill where the first shot was fired signaling the beginning of the war in the East African region.
Richard Obande who is a senior warden of the of Sarova Taita Hills sanctuary narrated that efforts to have the envoys and other visitors tour the site were fruitless as the owner – Basil Criticos denied them rights of entry, making the tourists delegation to get briefing about the hill by the roadside, done by the author of “The Guerella of Tsavo”‘ – James Wilson who acted as the tour guide.
The envoys also toured Mwashoto area where a commemorative plague, honouring the Africans who were engaged in the war was unveiled and also held prayers at the Maktau military graves.The two envoys also laid wreaths to honour the fallen soldiers.
By Fatuma Jumeah
