President William Ruto on Monday made a striking entrance at Moi Barracks, Eldoret, as he led the country in commemorating this year’s Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) Day a moment that saw him don the full military uniform for the very first time since assuming office.
The event, observed annually on October 14, honours the bravery, sacrifice, and service of Kenya’s military men and women. The President, as Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces, attended the celebrations alongside Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) General Charles Kahariri and Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya.
Before the official ceremony, President Ruto held a closed-door meeting with senior KDF commanders, underscoring the government’s commitment to strengthening the armed forces’ capacity and welfare.
KDF Day not only celebrates the unwavering spirit of Kenya’s soldiers but also serves as a solemn reminder of their critical role in safeguarding national sovereignty and advancing peace within the region.
“We celebrate our soldiers the heartbeat of our defence and a driving force of national development,” the President remarked in his address, paying tribute to the courage and compassion that define the country’s uniformed men and women.
The commemoration also marks the anniversary of Operation Linda Nchi, the 2011 military campaign that saw Kenyan troops cross into Somalia to combat the Al-Shabaab militant group.
Since its inception in 2012, KDF Day has evolved into both a moment of remembrance for those who paid the ultimate price in service and a celebration of the ongoing contributions of the defence forces to national and regional stability.
