Last march at Parliament: Story of Sergeant-at-Arms Lekulo

During this year’s State of the Nation address by President William Ruto, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula said Mr Lekulo joined Parliament in 2006 as a Senior Sergeant-at-Arms and rose through the ranks to become Chief Sergeant-at-Arms director, a role in which he oversaw significant enhancements in institutional capacity.

Before joining Parliament, he served in the Provincial Administration between 1996 and 2006 as a District Officer in Isiolo, Trans-Nzoia, and Laikipia.

His public service career began earlier under the Teachers Service Commission at Garbatullah High School, where he taught for four years from 1992 and was remembered as “an inspiration to many young boys” in the bandit-prone region, encouraging them to pursue education.

“This special mention of this gallant son of Kenya is for the reason that he comes from the smallest community in our nation, the Elmolo,” said Mr Wetang’ula.

Heavy security presence, controlled movement and blocked roads characterised preparations ahead of President Ruto’s third State of the Nation Address.

With the weight of the national occasion on full display, the usually busy Parliament Road was cordoned off, allowing limited access only to journalists, security teams and dignitaries as police and military officers took charge. Roads around the precincts mirrored the same situation, though they recorded slightly more human activity.

A huge SOTNA 2025 display stood prominently at the roundabout connecting Parliament Road and Harambee Avenue, drawing the attention of members of the public who watched from a distance.

This year’s security arrangements were noticeably lighter compared to the last two addresses, which had taken place against the backdrop of Azimio la Umoja and Gen Z protests. At the time, fears of anti-government demonstrations prompted heightened measures, with all roads leading to Parliament blocked and police lorries positioned at strategic points.

In 2023 and 2024, police searched all vehicles accessing the precincts, while GSU officers secured major routes—including Harambee Avenue and Parliament Road—with support from regular and administration police units on anti-riot patrols.

Those tensions were absent this year following a broad-based political agreement and the decision by the United Opposition, led by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, to stay away from the event.

The only notable incident was when human rights activist Julius Kamau was swiftly whisked away by security officers as he attempted to stage a protest outside Parliament Buildings.

Preparations for the 13th SOTNA had begun days earlier, with Parliament Buildings buzzing with activity as workers hurried to complete final touches. A red carpet for the President was rolled out into the complex, while staff moved briskly to ensure everything was in place.

Along Parliament Road, the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) band rehearsed in anticipation of the President’s arrival. Dressed in immaculate red ceremonial tunics and polished shoes, the 19th Battalion of the Kenya Rifles—19 KR, the Ash Warriors—performed fanfare pieces. Formed in 2011 and based at Nyali Barracks in Mombasa, the battalion is among the youngest infantry units in the Kenya Army. It received its Presidential and Regimental Colours in 2021, cementing its operational maturity.

As the hour approached, dignitaries began to stream in. Chief Justice Martha Koome and her team were the first to arrive, followed by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi. Deputy President Kithure Kindiki arrived next and was received by General Kahariri.

Minutes after 2 pm, the Presidential Escort Unit signalled the President’s arrival. Dr Ruto, trailed at a distance by First Lady Rachel Ruto, was received by the DP and the CDF before greeting other service commanders.

After inspecting a guard of honour mounted by the KDF, Dr Ruto returned to the podium as the band played Uninyunyizie Maji. He then made his way into Parliament Buildings, bringing the military ceremony to a close.

Moments later, he emerged from the Senate side and walked towards the National Assembly chamber, flanked by Speakers Moses Wetang’ula (National Assembly) and Amason Kingi (Senate), with clerks Jeremiah Nyegenye and Samuel Njoroge leading the procession.

Leading the Speaker’s procession were Major (Rtd) Samson Sorobit, Chief Sergeant-at-Arms of the Senate, and Mr Lekulo in what became his final ceremonial duty after 21 years of service. A special drill was performed in his honour as he completed his last session as Mace Bearer.

Heavy security presence, controlled movement and blocked roads characterised preparations ahead of President Ruto’s third State of the Nation Address.

Inside the packed National Assembly chamber, a political spectacle unfolded as MPs broke into “two-term” chants while rising to salute the President during his address.

Follow our WhatsApp channel for breaking news updates and more stories like this.

[email protected]