Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) soldiers who were on patrol in Gherille, Wajir County assisted a pregnant woman to safely deliver a baby on the road.
KDF in a statement on Saturday, March 23, 2024, said soldiers under Close Operations from Gherille while on patrol in the area came across the distressed woman Salma Osman who had been in labour for hours.
The Kenyan military said patrol medics helped the woman to safely deliver a bouncing baby boy.
“The mother, Salma Osman, was handed her healthy baby boy. The mother and the newborn were later taken to Gherille Health facility for postnatal care and vaccination,” KDF said.
The military additionally gave foodstuff to the family of the woman who was assisted to give birth by KDF soldiers.
“The patrol further in line with the Kenyan tradition of receiving a newborn gave a basket of edibles to the family. We wish the mother and baby good health,” KDF said.
Civil-Military Cooperation
KDF troops deployed at Gherille Forward Operation Base (FOB) have been undertaking various Civil-Military Cooperation activities within Gherille Centre and Handaki East in Wajir County.
Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) is an integral part of the overall military mission.
CIMIC is normally conducted by the military forces in areas where the troops are stationed to enhance good relations with civilians.
KDF has been offering free medical services in Gherille in addition to donating assorted foodstuffs and supplying fresh water to the residents.
The initiatives by the military have gone a long way in fostering good relations with locals.
Al Shabaab attacks
The Northeastern region and parts of the Coast were last year experiencing increased terror attacks by Al Shabaab group which launched deadly raids, torching property, and even beheading people.
On July 14, 2023, while commissioning the construction of a borehole at Gherille drilled by the KDF to supply clean water for the local community, Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said the military and other security teams would deal with the terror-related activities to ensure Kenyan soil remains safe.
“Militia shall not find a safe haven in Kenya once they are flushed out of Somalia. The Kenya Defence Forces and other security teams remain vigilant and steadfast to degrade the terrorist-related activities,” Duale said.
The CS held a series of security meetings in various places in Wajir County with the aim of enhancing peace and stability in the region.
