Why Kenya must honour her men and women in uniform
Originally published by KBC Digital — Read the original article →
As Kenya today marks the 15th Edition of the Kenya Defence Forces Day, the nation pauses to do what great nations do best – to remember. Defence Cabinet Secretary Hon. Soipan Tuya, in leading tributes to our fallen soldiers and to serving and retired military personnel, captured the true meaning of this day.
She reminded Kenyans that we must honour our military for their courage, discipline and dedication, and never forget those who died defending the Republic and the families they left behind. Her message is a call to national conscience. It reminds us that the sacrifices of our fallen and the resilience of their families remain the most profound testament to what it takes to safeguard Kenya’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
This reflection is important because in every enduring democracy, wearing the uniform is never merely a job. It is a privilege bestowed by the people and a sacred trust conferred by the Constitution. When a young Kenyan at the Kenya Military Academy in Lanet or at the Recruit Training School in Eldoret raises his right hand and takes the oath of allegiance, he does what few citizens ever do. He signs, in effect, a blank cheque to the Republic of Kenya, payable up to and including his life.