CADET INTAKES REUNITE TO CELEBRATE SERVICE, FRIENDSHIP, AND LEGACY

Four Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) cadet intakes held reunion events over the past week, marked by reflection, gratitude, and the celebration of enduring bonds of service.

Cadet Intake 11 – “The Leader Intake” (1979) reunited at the Humanitarian Peace Support School (HPSS) Embakasi, under the theme “Reunion and Thanksgiving.” The gathering brought together retired Generals, Senior Officers, and instructors who played a role in shaping the cohort’s legacy.

The intake produced distinguished leaders, including former Chief of the Defence Forces General (Rtd) Robert Kibochi, Lt Gen (Rtd) Jonothan Rono, Amb Maj Gen (Rtd) Lukas Tumbo, and General (Rtd) Vincent Nundwe, a former Commander of the Malawi Defence Forces. Also present were some of the intake’s instructors—Lt Gen (Rtd) Johannes Mutui, Brig Joseph Mweu, and Amb Col (Rtd) Elijah Matibo—alongside former Regimental Sergeant Majors WO1 (Rtd) Gerishon Lisimba and WO1 (Rtd) Hassan Ali.

Discussions at the event centered on the veterans’ continued contributions to national development, particularly in agriculture and food security. The value of allied training and regional partnerships was also highlighted, with officers from allied nations commending the enduring values instilled during their cadet training. The reunion concluded with a visit to the Uhuru Gardens National Monument and Museum to honour Kenya’s military heritage.

Cadet Intake 12 (1980) retraced their training journey in Mararal, Samburu County, under the theme “Where It All Started.” Their “Safari ya Samburu” began at the National Defence University-Kenya (NDU-K), where they were hosted and flagged off by the Vice-Chancellor, Lt Gen David Tarus.

The highlights included climbing the iconic Trig-Point, visiting Muramur Dam, and revisiting the Muramur–Sekeret–Poror axis. Distinguished alumni from the intake include Amb Maj Gen (Rtd) George Owinow, Maj Gen (Rtd) Patrick Amogola, and Maj Gen (Rtd) Joseph Kivunzi.

In their reflections, the veterans underscored the values of integrity and professionalism, while appreciating the issuance of Veterans Identification Cards that enhance their bond with serving personnel.

Cadet Intake 14 (1981) held their re-union at International Peace Support Training Centre (IPSTC) in Karen. The event brought together retired senior officers, including distinguished national leaders, offering them an opportunity to reconnect, reflect on their service, and celebrate the enduring bonds formed through their military journey.

The intake produced distinguished leaders, who include Lt Gen (Rtd) Mohamed Badi, former Director General of Nairobi Metropolitan Services, H.E. Ali Korane, former Governor of Garissa; Brig (Rtd) Dr. Robert Kabage, former Executive Director at Global Centre for Policy and Strategy and CEO of the Mashariki Research and Policy Centre and Brig (Rtd) Jossiah Mrashui, former Consular General in Goma, DRC among many others

The gathering honored the memory of departed comrades with a moment of silence observed in their recognition. Members also paid tribute to the instructors who molded them at the then Armed Forces Training College (AFTC) Lanet, now Kenya Military Academy (KMA).

The highlight of the day was the vibrant reflections and shared memories of cadet life from rigorous drills, mountain expeditions, and jungle warfare training to the commissioning parade on 22nd July 1982.

The planning committee, led by Col (Rtd) Phillip Mureithi Wangombe, Col (Rtd) Lewis Muluvi, Col (Rtd) Jonathan Krop, and Hon. Chris Khaemba, was commended for their tireless efforts in uniting the intake since their inaugural reunion in 2022.

Cadet Intake 25 (1990) also gathered at IPSTC under the theme “Health is Wealth.” The event focused on wellness in retirement, with a keynote address delivered by Col Dr Wambua from the Defence Forces Memorial Hospital.

The intake honoured fallen comrades, reviewed updates on the Challenger Welfare Fund, and elected a new committee to oversee their welfare. Distinguished serving leaders from this intake include Maj Gen Fred Leuria, Director of Operations, Doctrine and Training at Defence Headquarters; Maj Gen John Nkoimo, General Officer Commanding Central Command; and Maj Gen Thomas Ng’ang’a, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Administration and Finance at NDU-K.

The day concluded with a cocktail reception, reinforcing unity, mentorship, and the importance of caring for one another beyond active duty.