- The President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander in Chief of the Defence Forces, His Excellency Dr. William Samoei Ruto, today led the Kenya Defence Forces in celebrating KDF Day in Embakasi Garrison, Nairobi.
The KDF Day has been observed since October 2012 following the launch of Operation Linda Nchi in October 2011. It has served as a platform to remember and honour the acts of valor and gallantry embodied by KDF heroes and heroines in service to their country.
In his address to the troops, President Ruto lauded the KDF, noting it has, through its unwavering commitment to patriotism and professionalism, continued to play a critical role in not only enhancing regional security and stability, but also in securing the territorial integrity of the nation as per its mandate.
He further added that the day was especially in honour of the soldiers that paid the ultimate price while in the line of duty for the sake of their kin and motherland highlighting that through their unmatched heroism, Kenya and the region enjoy relative peace and stability, the necessary conditions to fan the nation’s prosperity.
“It’s never easy to do what you do but you get the job done. The silent labours and unseen efforts together with the immortalised heroes is what we celebrate today. And that is why we today take time to honour the KDF for their sacrifice, dedication and bravery in defending and protecting our country and its interests against external aggression,” he said.
His sentiments were echoed by the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), General Francis Ogolla who reiterated KDF’s commitment to it’s mandate. He additionally thanked the Commander in Chief’s unwavering support, noting it to be key in facilitating the smooth turning of the gears that make up the military. He also noted the importance of the Day as it marked to not only honour the brave soldiers who laid down their lives in service, but also to remember those they left behind as they still remain part of the KDF family.
“Todays celebration mark our Commander’s unwavering commitment and support which serves to reminds us of the sacred trust bestowed upon us by the people of the Republic of Kenya. We come together today as a united front to honour the acts of valour of our heroes and heroines as it holds a deep rooted significance in our memory. We honour our fallen soldiers since they remind us of the cost and purpose of freedom and the repercussions should we waver even slightly in our watch,” he said.
This year’s KDF Day celebrations, themed ‘One force, One Mission: Enhancing regional and national security’, also included several other activities which included the unveiling of a monument within the Garrison in remembrance of the fallen soldiers and the laying of wreaths thereof. It also saw exemplary soldiers awarded certificates. They were Senior Sgt Ibrahim Mohammed, Sgt Alois Atieno, Cpl Ahmed Shire, Pte Laban Chirchir, Pte John Wanjiru who in the course of their duties, worked selflessly to save lives while others actualized systems within KDF that cut costs.
Additionally, during the event, various departments within KDF got the opportunity to display stands where they showcased some of their various roles and how they are implemented in delivering upon the stipulated mandate among other activities.
In attendance were, First Lady Mrs Rachel Ruto, CS Defence Hon. Aden Duale, Service Commanders, General Officers, Defence Attaches, Retired Generals, Senior Officers, Officers, MWAK officials, Service Personnel and their families among others.
END
Add Comment