On 7th December 2024, officers of the 9th Battalion, the Kenya Rifles (9KR), popularly known as O’Rangers, gathered at Moi Barracks in Eldoret for a reunion. The event, graced by the Commander of the Kenya Army, Lieutenant General David Tarus, was organized to celebrate the Unit’s achievements since its establishment in 1979.
Under the theme “Recounting the O’rangers Milestones,” both serving and retired officers attended, reflecting on their past experiences while serving in the Battalion. In his speech, Lt Gen Tarus praised the initiative, which provided an opportunity for veterans to share the rich history of the Unit while inspiring the younger officers.
“The insights shared today by the veterans about the growth of this Unit are a testament to how past events have shaped the Unit we see today. As the Unit continues to grow, it is critical to understand its history, as the past shapes both the present and the future,” he said.
The Commander also recognized the Unit’s resilience and determination, highlighting its participation in various battles and engagements where it distinguished itself as an outstanding performer, inspired by its motto, ‘O’rangers Fire and War Machines.’
Lieutenant General (Rtd) Daniel Opande, the founding Commanding Officer of the Unit, recounted how he established the Battalion despite logistical and human resource challenges.
“I only had a few tents, which we erected at the Maili Tisa area. I didn’t have an Adjutant, Quartermaster, or any key Battalion staff officers. Nonetheless, I formed the Unit, which was later deployed to the North Eastern region,” he shared.
9KR has contributed significantly to many Kenya Army operational successes, including Operation Sledge Hammer and the capture of Kismayo on September 28, 2012. The Unit played a pivotal role as the advancing land forces, while their counterparts, 3KR, conducted an amphibious assault.
The Unit has also produced several key figures in the Kenya Defence Forces, including former Chief of the General Staff General (Rtd) Jeremiah Kianga, former Vice Chief of the Defence Forces Lieutenant General (Rtd) Joseph Kasaon, former Army Commander Lieutenant General (Rtd) Leonard Ngondi, Lieutenant General (Rtd) Jonathan Rono, and Major General (Rtd) Joseph Nkaissery, among others.
Key speakers at the event expressed their gratitude to the Unit’s Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Abraham Lagat, for bringing together O’ranger officers to celebrate their collective achievements and to discuss the future direction of the Unit.
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