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Kenya Defence Forces honours fallen soldiers

By FRED MUKINDA October 14th, 2015 1 min read

Kenya Defence Forces on Wednesday displayed their might in remembrance of troops who have died fighting Al-Shabaab in Somalia.

In Nairobi, the Chief of Kenya Defence Forces Gen Samson Mwathethe led the celebrations at Kahawa Garrison where he unveiled a monument inscribed with names of the fallen heroes.

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The newly-unveiled monument inscribed with names of the fallen Kenyan soldiers at Kahawa Garrison. PHOTO COURTESY

“Today we remember colleagues who have paid the ultimate price for our motherland.  We also promise Kenyans that before their lives are threatened we shall put our lives on the line first,” Gen Mwathethe said.

Today marks the fourth anniversary since Kenya sent troops to Somalia to fight the terrorist group. The moment is remembered by all troops across Kenya as KDF Day.

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Chief of Kenya Defence Forces Gen Samson Mwathethe (left) follows proceedings during celebrations to honour fallen Kenyan soldiers at Kahawa Garrison. PHOTO COURTESY

Kenya sent troops to Somalia in October 2011, the first combat deployment to a foreign country since independence.
There are over 4,000 KDF troops in Somalia who have since joined Africa Union Mission in Somalia.

“We pass a very clear message to enemies  of Kenya that we are ready at all times to defend our way of life and integrity of our nation,” Gen Mwathethe said.

The celebrations involved mounting military parades and public display of weapons used in combat.