Israel to help Kenya fight al-Qaida

Netanyhu meets Kenyan counterpart Odinga in Jerusalem; two countries sign memorandum of understanding over homeland security.

Netanyahu and Odinga_311 (photo credit: Avi Ohayon/GPO)
Netanyahu and Odinga_311
(photo credit: Avi Ohayon/GPO)
Israel has promised to help Kenya fight against al-Qaida linked members, according to the office of Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who on Monday wrapped up a four-day visit.
“Kenya got the backing of the top leadership of the State of Israel in its war to rid its territory of fundamentalist elements, with President Shimon Peres and Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu declaring that they will help Kenya in its struggles to secure its borders,” Kenya’s prime minister’s office said.
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It said the two countries had signed a memorandum of understanding for cooperation on matters of homeland security.
In his meeting with Odinga, Netanyahu promised to help build “a coalition against fundamentalism” that includes neighboring states such as Ethiopia, South Sudan and Tanzania, according to the Kenyan prime minister’s office.
Israel and Kenya must stand together against this fight, Netanyahu told Odinga, according to Odinga’s office.
Peres also pledged his support, and said his country would help Kenya with internal security and food production.
Odinga asked both Israeli leaders for help with vehicles for border patrols and equipment for sea surveillance.
Israel could help Kenyan police detect terrorists so it could destroy their networks, Odinga said, according to his office.