UK High Commissioner honours war veterans in Western Kenya

NAIROBI, Kenya -- Joseck Odambi Okwako; Wilson Nzosi Litasa, Meshack L Musire and Joseph Murana from Kakamega County. Boaz Akoto Kehodo, Musa Ombazi Lusina, Laban Kehenji Kidaki,and Philemon Mudamba Vihiga County. Laboso Kipkemoi Cheruiyot, Helly Kipngeno Ngetich, Cheruiyot A Ngeny, and Paul Kipkoech Barchok from Kericho County. William Sitini Wanjala from Bungoma County; Joshua Korigo Barno and Kipsang Arap Bargetuny from Nandi County. 

These 15 veterans from Western Kenya region who served in the British Army during the 1939-1945 war in Europe, were on Friday February 16 2024, presented with replacement medals by British High Commissioner to Kenya, Neil Wigan. The High Commissioner reports that the medal replacement is part of a wider initiative to honour the vital role played by Kenyan veterans who took part in World War II and replace lost medals. This was the fourth ceremony to take place on Kenyan soil and comes a few months after His Majesty the King presented medals to four war veterans at the Kariokor Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery in Nairobi during last November.  

In addition to replacing lost medals, the UK through the Royal Commonwealth initiative continues to support veterans and widows through welfare grants to support their family needs. The grants, which are equivalent to the cost of two meals a day, have meant a significant improvement in the welfare of 829 Askaris and widows. The initiative is administered through the British Legion (Kenya) with significant assistance from the Kenyan Defence Forces Old Comrades Association. 

The event at the Kakamega Sports club was graced by County Commissioner Kakamega County, Managing Director Kenya Defence Old Comrades Association, Brigadier Joakim Mwamburi and Sam Mattock, First Secretary of the Embassy of the Order of Malta to Kenya, who has pioneered the efforts to honour the veterans.   

Speaking at the event, the High Commissioner said:

I am delighted to present these replacement medals and honour the service of these great men. These medals are a symbol of our appreciation at the highest level, to not only Kenyan veterans, but to all those across the Commonwealth who previously fought with the UK and contributed to peace. I’m proud to represent the UK and ensure their contribution is not forgotten."

Brigadier Joakim Mwamburi said:

"As Managing Director of the Defence Forces Comrades Association, I am delighted to meet with these venerable veterans. Today, I saw that the veterans are looking good and healthy, this can be attributed by the welfare assistance these veterans continue to receive from the Royal Commonwealth Ex Serviceman’s League and British Legion Kenya.  It is our hope and prayer that this assistance will continue till the last man is rested."

Sam Mattock said: 

"This is another important milestone for Operation Africa Star, as we continue to raise funds to ensure these Commonwealth heroes can be honoured whilst there is time. We estimate 174 Kenyan veterans still ‘serving’ and urge people to look for us on Justgiving."

The event was part of the High Commissioner’s two-day inaugural visit to Western Kenya region. During the visit he made courtesy calls to Kisumu Governor Hon Anyang’ Nyong’o, Homa Bay Governor Hon Gladys Wanga and Kakemega Governor Fernandes Barasa and discussed areas of UK-Western Kenya partnership. The High Commissioner also had an opportunity to visit a UK funded family planning programme at the Homa Bay County Referral Hospital which is supporting mothers with modern family planning services and other health services.