Uhuru presides over trooping of colours by 21st battalion as he bids farewell to KDF

President Uhuru Kenyatta on Friday officiated the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) consecration, presentation and trooping of the colours by the 21st battalion of the Kenya Rifles at the Lang’ata Garrison in Nairobi.

During the ceremony, which likely marks his last act as the Commander-in-Chief of the defence forces, the President lauded KDF for their continuous efforts in protecting the country.

“Today’s ceremony is, indeed, historic.  I say this because, during my tenure as Commander-in-Chief, I have had the profound privilege to award Colours to all the three Battalions that constitute the 6 Brigade of the Kenya Army,” President Kenyatta said in his remarks.

“The award of these Colours is a significant milestone in the development of these Units, which have participated in various operations and effectively executed the KDF mandate; to defend and protect our territorial integrity.”

The Head of State similarly recognized the dedication of all the three arms of the forces; the Army, the Airforce and the Navy, for their dedication to protecting the country externally.

He underscored that the troops have always performed exemplary even on external duties bestowed upon them by the State that are outside their sworn roles, such as rehabilitation of the Meter Gauge Railway and repair of MV Uhuru.

“It is the embodiment of our national pride, our values, our history; and our commitment to peace while always being ready to defend ourselves and our heritage of splendour,” he said.

“KDF has embraced roles that go beyond your core mandate and have excelled in them. On account of your record of delivering superlative results, I tasked the KDF to take charge of various strategic national programmes and to even rescue failing institutions.”

Formed in March 2016, the 21st Battalion of the Kenya Rifles is an Infantry Unit of the 6th Infantry Brigade based at the Laikipia KDF Range, and is recognizable by its distinctive Army Maroon colour.

The President said the battalion will now be moved from Mariakani to Lamu as part of the government’s commitment to bring peace to the insecurity-prone Boni Forest and its surroundings.

“I take note that this Unit is slated to relocate from Mariakani to Manda in Lamu County. This occasion is, therefore, a moment of great pride as we present the regimental colours to the Unit just before relocating to Manda,” he noted.

The Army battalion will also get a boost from the Navy in the region, according to the President, before being joined later by the Air force.

“Together with the Kenya Navy Base Manda, the Unit will establish a permanent presence in Boni Forest from where it will secure the border areas and support the Manda Base in executing Maritime defence within an already existing Multi Agency framework.  The Unit will also provide security to the population in Lamu County," President Kenyatta said.