President Mwai Kibaki and Chief of the Defence Forces Gen Julius Karangi salute the Kenya National Anthem.

His Excellency President Mwai Kibaki, on 23rd May 2012 commissioned officer cadets after completing twenty months of vigorous military and academic training at Kenya Military Academy. Their graduation was marked in a colorful passing out parade held at the Academy’s Parade square. During their training, the cadets also undertook a diploma in military science from the University of Egerton. During the ceremony, seven cadets were awarded trophies for excelling in various fields during their twenty months of training at the Academy:

• Senior under Officer Leonard Kiprono Koech ( Kenya Air Force)- best officer cadet in Leadership and Command and winner of Sword of Honour.
• Cadet Adjutant Samwel Karagita Gaiti (Kenya Army)- second best officer Cadet in Leadership and Command and winner of Cane of Honour.
• Junior under Officer Victor Kaleli Nzoli (Kenya Army)- best officer cadet in Professional studies and winner of Professional studies award.
• Junior Under officer Catherine Kangendi Ngaine (Kenya Air Force)- second best officer cadet in Professional Studies and winner of Commandant’s Shield.
• Junior Under officer Martin Wambuti Rapando (Kenya Army)-best Officer Cadet in Character Development and winner of Commandant’s Trophy.
• Junior under Officer Musinguzi Gilbert Katesumbwa (Uganda People’s Defence Forces)- best Allied Officer Cadet in order of Merit and winner of Commandant’s trophy.
• Officer Cadet Patrick Muema Makali (Kenya Air Force)- best Officer Cadet in Academic Studies and winner of Academic Studies award.

In his speech, the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces congratulated the newly commissioned officer cadets for their hard work, dedication and endurance they demonstrated during the twenty months of training. He further reminded them that they must maintain high levels of professionalism and discipline and uphold the highest standards of loyalty to the Government and people of Kenya.

The President further congratulated the Defence Forces for successfully executing the Operation Linda Nchi in Somalia. He added by saying that, Kenyans are proud of the joint efforts by the Kenya Defence Forces, the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia and AMISOM.

The Head of State also said that developments in the Sudan and South Sudan are also of concern to our country. He urged the parties in the conflict to give dialogue a chance because Kenya would like to see a speedy resolution to all outstanding issues in the two countries.

In conclusion, the President once again commended the Defence Forces for their efforts to keep the country safe as well as their valuable contribution in pursuit of peace in the region and across the world.
Present during the ceremony were the Minister of State for Defence Hon. Yusuf Haji, Assistant Minister for Defence Hon. David Musila, the Chief of the Defence Forces Gen Julius Karangi, the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Defence Ambassador Nancy Kirui, the three service commanders among other senior military officers and government officials.

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