Kenya Defence Forces Old Comrades Association (DEFOCA) Managing Director Brigadier Dixon Chivatsi, together with a team of DEFOCA officials, hosted a World War II Kenyan Veterans’ Medal Ceremony held at Kariene Village in Meru County.
The occasion saw Pte (Rtd) Mathengi Ngwiyo (104 years) together with Pte (Rtd) Shadrack Twaraja M’twamwari (102 years) awarded medals to serve as mementos for their service to the Crown during the end of World War Two as part of the historical British Legion African Section (BLAS).
Both veterans were enlisted into the King’s African Rifles in 1942 and 1943 respectively and saw action in Burma, now Myanmar, having served the Crown for almost four and three years respectively.
In his address, Brigadier Chivatsi highlighted the significance of the ceremony, noting that the medals not only signified appreciation for the veterans’ service to the Crown, but would also serve as a reminder of the bravery and sacrifices that combat demands.
He also lauded the effort and coordination between Colonel (Rtd) Samuel Mattock from the Embassy of the Sovereign Order of Malta to the Republic of Kenya and DEFOCA officials in taking on the commitment of finding the veterans and procuring the medals overseas.
“As we are aware, replacement of the veterans’ lost medals is a time-consuming, tedious and costly exercise involving detailed research from archives and records to identify campaigns each veteran fought in, the period of time they were involved, and the medals entitled. As such, I believe these awards are a great honour to the veterans that will forever be remembered,” he said.
Representing the British government, Defence Advisor at the UK High Commission, Brigadier Olly Bryant, reiterated the importance of the occasion. He pointed out that given the age of the remaining veterans, every veteran located and every medal issued carries with it immense responsibility, as each represents a lifetime of service.
“We are here today to honour the service and sacrifice for peace of these two brave men, together with all of their comrades. Many lost their lives in the last few years of the war campaign, but you were among the ones who returned home. It was through your determination and courage that you’ve earned these medals today, and they are and forever will be a reminder of a remarkable achievement for you and for future generations,” he said.
In attendance were the representative of the Meru County Governor, the Director of Public Service Administration Mr. Bundi Magiri, senior military officers, retired KDF personnel, and invited guests.
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