It appears the Kenyan Military has taken to twitter to communicate news of their operation in Somalia and warn civilians in towns nearby target al-Shabab camps about attacks.

Operation Linda Nchi

Following kidnapping of several foreign tourists and aid workers in Kenya, allegedly by Al-Shabaab militants, the Somalian, Kenyan and French (and although unconfirmed, perhaps the United States) military instigated Operation Linda Nchi in October 2011. Soldiers have entered southern Somalia in pursuit of the militants.

Twitter account

On 27 October 2011 Major E. Chirchir (@MajorEChirchir), described as a Kenya Military Spokesperson sent his first tweet, “Good to be here to give you the right and official information.” As at 3 November, the account has 2,323 followers, and although not yet verified, has been referred to by the Major in media interviews, appearing to confirm its authenticity.

Content

The Major provides quite specific about upcoming and completed attacks, and this approach is queried by followers as to whether enemies will be tipped off through the information. The Major doesn’t reply in much detail (considering he has only 140 characters this is unsurprising) only assuring followers that his approach is strategic.

Engagement

Although inexperienced (in one exchange a follower explains to the Major how to create a hashtag) the major responds to enquiries in a timely fashion and a consistent tone. He openly invites engagement, tweeting on 28 October, “Twitter Cadets Ask any question you wish right here and tell all your friends, i will be back later to handle each of them as much as i can”

Warning

Perhaps the most surprising tweet is on 2 November 2011, when the major tweets, “#OperationLindaNchi BAIDOA, BAADHEERE,BAYDHABO,DINSUR, AFGOOYE,BWALE, BARAWE,JILIB,KISMAYO and AFMADHOW will be under attack continuously”. He encourages followers with friends or families in the towns to spread the word.

He later clarifies in a BBC Africa interview that it’s militant camps near the towns, rather than the towns themselves that are under attack, however considering the resources and technology available to the Kenyan military, the risk of collateral damage is significant.

Propaganda

Propaganda is allegedly being used by the militants to mislead media. The Major encourages media to check all facts, and provides information over twitter or arranges communication via email.

Frontline

The Major provides updates on progress of the operation, including interactions with the militants and details of deaths on both sides. On 29 October 2011 he tweets, “#Frontline Today we lost a great soldier.Just viewed body of fallen Hero.shot at neck,It was a lucky shot by AlShabaab,Helmet&Armour Intact”

Major E. Chichir tweets that he has applied for verification of the account. To follow the account, visit @MajorEChirchir