UK honours 19 Kenyan World War II veterans
Some of the 19 Kenyan World War II veterans who were honoured by the British government in Nairobi on November 9, 2024.
What you need to know:
- The medal replacement is part of a wider initiative to honour the vital role played by Kenyan war veterans by replacing lost medals.
The United Kingdom (UK) government has honoured 19 Kenyan World War II veterans with replacement medals, recognising their bravery and service.
The veterans who served in the British Army during World War II, were presented with replacement medals by the British High Commissioner to Kenya Neil Wigan on Saturday.
The event, the fifth such ceremony to be held on Kenyan soil, was held in the capital Nairobi.
The medal replacement is part of a wider initiative to honour the vital role played by Kenyan war veterans by replacing lost medals.
"Today, we honour Kenyan heroes, whose bravery and sacrifice continue to resonate across generations," stated Neil Wigan.
Kenyan World War II veterans receive medals from the British High Commissioner to Kenya Neil Wigan in Nairobi on November 9, 2024.
"The medals they have received today are more than symbols— they represent profound acts of courage, loyalty, and selflessness by men and women, many of whom travelled far from their homeland in service of a higher cause. We acknowledge the great sacrifices made by so many in Kenya, who fought with the UK and our allies, and contributed to peace for us all.”
The 19 veterans who were awarded include Mwangi Kinungi (Kiambu County), Moses Mbugua Muiru (Kiambu), Kilonzo Vele (Kitui), Mutemi Nzunza (Kitui), Nzanza Kavii Ingaa (Kitui), Mulinge Nzoka (Kitui), Munyoki M Mbuko (Machakos), Munyao Nguli (Machakos) and Kioko Ndolo (Machakos).
Others are Monde Soi (Machakos), Sila Kitunguu Ivulu (Machakos), Mwalimu Ngula (Machakos), Muinidi M Kawali (Machakos), Mule Kiluu (Machakos), John K Kavonga (Makueni), Francis K Kimuma (Makueni), Wanguru Muragu (Muranga), Jora Odhiambo (Nakuru) and Mwangi Wanjohi Kirugumi (Nyeri).
The initiative is administered through the British Legion (Kenya) with significant assistance from the Kenyan Defence Forces Old Comrades Association.
“Veterans don’t often talk about their time in the military, and they rarely talk about the sometimes-daily hardships in their life journey post-military service,” said Sam Mattock, the Councillor of the Embassy of Malta in Kenya.
"However, those memories are never really far away. These men are real Mashujaas(heroes) and are being honoured in a small way with these medals and this ceremony. Today’s is not only about these 19 men but also about all the others like them from Kenya, the United Kingdom and from all over our great Commonwealth, whose service will never be forgotten.”
In addition to replacing lost medals, Wigan said 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 Saturday event was hosted by UK’s Defence Adviser Brigadier Olly Bryant. Also in attendance was the Managing Director of Kenya Defence Old Comrades Association, Brigadier Joakim Mwamburi.
The event happened a day before Sunday, November 10, when the UK celebrates and remembers those who lost their lives during the First and Second World Wars.
On Sunday, King Charles led the UK government in two minutes of silence in remembrance of men and women who lost their lives serving in the two world wars or other conflicts.
Tens of thousands of veterans and civilians joined the King in paying their respects to the fallen heroes at the annual National Service of Remembrance ceremony at the Cenotaph in central London.
The King was joined by other members of the Royal Family, including the Prince and Princess of Wales, and political leaders.
In November 2023, during his visit to Kenya, His Majesty the King presented medals to four war veterans at the Kariokor Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery in Nairobi.
