A beloved Canadian children's character, Franklin the Turtle, has been thrust into an international firestorm over a series of deadly US military strikes at sea that have reportedly killed more than 80 people.

The controversy ignited after US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth posted a doctored image of the gentle turtle in full military gear, firing a rocket launcher under the title "Franklin Targets Narco Terrorists." The post, which Hegseth captioned "For your Christmas wish list…", is seen as a brazen attempt to make light of a lethal campaign that legal experts have warned may constitute extrajudicial killings.

The image and the real-world violence it mocks have drawn a sharp rebuke from the character's creators and raised serious questions in Washington and beyond about the judgment of a top military official.

A Character of Kindness Co-opted

Kids Can Press, the Toronto-based publisher of the Franklin series, issued a strong condemnation following the post. "Franklin the Turtle is a beloved Canadian icon who has inspired generations of children and stands for kindness, empathy, and inclusivity," the publisher stated. "We strongly condemn any denigrating, violent, or unauthorized use of Franklin's name or image, which directly contradicts these values."

The Pentagon offered a defiant response. A spokesperson told reporters, "We doubt Franklin the Turtle wants to be inclusive of drug cartels… or laud the kindness and empathy of narco-terrorists." The exchange has left many observers stunned, with critics on social media sarcastically suggesting follow-up book titles like "Franklin Goes to the Hague."

The Real-World Consequences

Hegseth's post is not just a digital gaffe; it lands amid a serious international crisis over US military operations in the Caribbean and Pacific. These strikes are part of a campaign against what the White House labels "narco-terrorists."

• Mounting Death Toll: At least 83 people have been killed in over 20 strikes since September 2025.
• 'Kill Everybody' Allegation: The controversy intensified after reports alleged Hegseth gave a verbal order to "kill everybody" aboard a vessel on September 2, leading to a second strike that killed two survivors seen clinging to wreckage.
• Official Denials: While the White House confirmed a second strike occurred, Hegseth has denied giving a "no survivors" order, calling the reports "fabricated" and "fake news."
• International Condemnation: The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has stated the strikes "violate international human rights law" and find "no justification in international law." Human rights groups have echoed these concerns, labeling the attacks unlawful killings.

For Kenyans, the episode is a stark reminder of the complexities surrounding international military partnerships, particularly in the fight against terror. While Kenya collaborates closely with the US to secure its borders and the Indian Ocean, the conduct of top US officials informs the nature of that trust. The casual depiction of lethal force by a senior defense figure raises concerns about military discipline and adherence to the international laws of war—principles vital to legitimate security operations from Lamu to Lamu.

This incident is further colored by Hegseth's own past statements. In a book published last year, he recounted telling soldiers under his command in Iraq to ignore legal advice on the rules of engagement, arguing for a more "ruthless" and "uncompromising" approach to warfare.

As US lawmakers launch a bipartisan investigation into the boat strikes, the image of a cartoon turtle armed for war serves as a bizarre and troubling symbol of a deadly serious debate. The scandal continues to unfold, questioning where the line is drawn between security operations and unlawful violence on the high seas.