President William Ruto on Sunday led the country in commemorating Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) Day at the Moi Barracks in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County an emotional and colourful event that paid tribute to Kenya’s brave men and women in uniform.
As Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces, President Ruto was the chief guest, presiding over military parades, medal presentations, and remembrance ceremonies in honour of both fallen and serving soldiers. The day, marked annually on October 14th, brought together service members, veterans, and families of fallen heroes to celebrate courage, discipline, and sacrifice.
Highlights
- President Ruto leads KDF Day celebrations at Moi Barracks, Eldoret.
- Event honours fallen and serving soldiers for their service and sacrifice.
- Commander-in-Chief pledges to strengthen military welfare and modernization.
- Families of fallen heroes receive recognition from the government.
- Ruto calls on Kenyans to embrace patriotism and support the armed forces.
Main Story
The Moi Barracks parade grounds were a sea of colour and precision as hundreds of Kenya Defence Forces personnel assembled to mark their most significant day of the year. With military bands playing, flags fluttering, and families in attendance, the atmosphere was one of solemn pride and deep emotion.
President Ruto arrived mid-morning and was received by Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, Chief of Defence Forces General Charles Kahariri, and senior officers from the Army, Air Force, and Navy. He inspected a guard of honour mounted by a KDF battalion, followed by the national anthem and a 21-gun salute to mark the start of the ceremony.
The President then joined service commanders and invited guests in laying wreaths at the Monument of Fallen Heroes, a memorial dedicated to soldiers who died in the line of duty, both at home and abroad. The moment of silence that followed captured the weight of the nation’s gratitude.
“Today we remember those who gave their lives so that Kenya could live in peace. Their courage will forever inspire generations,” Ruto said in his speech.
The KDF Day celebration is traditionally a moment to honour both fallen heroes and serving soldiers. This year’s event highlighted the contributions of officers who have served in counter-terrorism operations, border security missions, and international peacekeeping efforts in the Horn of Africa.
Dozens of families of fallen soldiers received medals, certificates of honour, and financial support as a token of the country’s appreciation. The President personally presented some of the awards, shaking hands and offering words of comfort to widows, children, and parents of those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
“No sacrifice is greater than the one made by those who lay down their lives for their nation,” Ruto said, visibly moved. “To the families of our fallen heroes — you are not forgotten. Kenya stands with you.”
The crowd applauded as the military band played a slow rendition of Kenya Yetu, followed by a flypast by Kenya Air Force jets, trailing smoke in the colours of the national flag.
In his address, President Ruto reaffirmed his government’s commitment to strengthening the Kenya Defence Forces through investment in modern equipment, technology, and infrastructure.
He announced plans to expand the Defence Industrial Complex to produce more locally manufactured military hardware and reduce dependence on imports. He also pledged continued improvement in soldiers’ welfare, including better housing, healthcare, and education for their families.
“Our Defence Forces must be well-equipped, well-trained, and well-supported. They are the shield of our nation, and their readiness must never be compromised,” he said.
The President highlighted that the KDF continues to play an essential role in peacekeeping across Africa, including missions in Somalia and the Democratic Republic of Congo. He commended Kenyan troops for their professionalism and the respect they command in international operations.
Following the official speeches, the military parade took centre stage. Troops from different branches of the KDF Army, Navy, and Air Force marched in unison with clockwork precision, their boots striking the ground in rhythm to the beat of military drums.
The display of discipline and coordination drew admiration from the crowd, which included senior government officials, foreign military attaches, and members of the public.
Spectacular air displays followed as helicopters, transport planes, and fighter jets roared overhead in formation. On the ground, engineering units demonstrated disaster response drills, showing how the KDF mobilizes during emergencies like floods and earthquakes.
Children in attendance waved flags and cheered as soldiers performed tactical simulations, including mock rescues and humanitarian aid deployments.
Away from the ceremonial glamour, the event was deeply emotional for the families of soldiers both fallen and serving. Many were seeing their loved ones in uniform for the first time in months.
Mothers and widows wept silently as the names of fallen soldiers were read out, while others stood proudly as medals were pinned to their relatives’ chests. Some spoke of the pride and pain that come with having family in uniform.
“We miss him every day, but we are proud that he died serving his country,” said the widow of a fallen officer from the 7th Battalion, who received a bravery award on his behalf.
President Ruto spent several minutes interacting with the families, reassuring them of government support and promising to improve the Defence Welfare Fund that caters for dependents of soldiers who die in service.
The President also lauded the KDF for its growing role in nation-building beyond combat. He cited the military’s contribution to infrastructure projects, such as roads and bridges in marginalized areas, participation in national clean-up campaigns, and emergency responses during droughts and floods.
He also commended the Kenya Army Corps of Engineers for their ongoing work in reconstructing schools and water systems in arid counties, emphasizing that the KDF’s duty extends beyond defending borders it’s also about rebuilding communities.
“Our Defence Forces are not just warriors; they are builders, rescuers, and patriots who restore hope where it is lost,” Ruto said.
The President further called on Kenyans to cooperate with the armed forces in maintaining national security, noting that peace is a shared responsibility.Hosting this year’s KDF Day in Eldoret carried special meaning, as the region is home to many soldiers and military families. The town’s proximity to Moi Barracks made it a fitting location, and residents lined the roads early in the morning to welcome the President’s convoy and witness the parade.
Shops and schools briefly closed as crowds gathered along the main roads waving flags and chanting patriotic songs. Many described the event as a historic moment for the region.
“We feel honoured that the Commander-in-Chief chose Eldoret. This is a proud day for our people and our soldiers,” said one resident.
Local leaders, including governors and MPs from the Rift Valley region, also attended the ceremony, praising the KDF for maintaining discipline and professionalism over the years.
As the sun set over Moi Barracks, the day ended with a final march-past, as soldiers saluted the Commander-in-Chief one last time. The Kenyan flag flew high above the parade ground, symbolizing unity and resilience.
President Ruto, in his closing remarks, urged young people to view the KDF not just as a career but as a calling of service and honour. He emphasized that the government will continue to create opportunities for youth in defence, technology, and national security fields.
“Every Kenyan has a role in protecting our nation’s future. The courage of our soldiers must inspire us all to build a country worth defending,” he concluded.
As the national anthem echoed across the barracks and the crowd dispersed, the message of the day remained clear: Kenya stands tall because of the men and women who guard her peace.
Read Also
KDF Day is a powerful reminder that peace is not permanent it is protected. As President Ruto put it, “Kenya’s strength lies in the hearts of those willing to serve her, even when no one is watching.”
