By Nyang’au Araka
They were strong, energetic, bold and vibrant when a geopolitical conflict went physical, earning the identity of World War II.
Drawn from various parts of Kenya, the youngsters joined the British Army and fought in the muddy trenches, thick forests, dense jungles and blistering deserts.
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What they endured during the war shaped their lives in ways that reverberated across generations.
While some have died, there are many survivors who are now old and frail, and are members of the Kenya Defence Forces Old Comrades Association (DEFOCA).
They possess a rich repository of the strides the world has made over the years.
World War II followed World War I (1914-1918), which was one of the deadliest wars that left millions dead and others maimed.
Every November, the United Kingdom marks Remembrance Sunday as a day to commemorate the contribution of British and Commonwealth military and civilian servicemen and women in the two World Wars and later conflicts.
The day is held on the second Sunday in November (the Sunday nearest to 11 November.
Ahead of this commemoration today, nineteen (19) of the veterans were presented with replacement medals by the British High Commissioner to Kenya, Neil Wigan on Saturday the 9th.
Held in Nairobi, the initiative was meant to honour the vital role played by Kenyan veterans who took part in World War II and replace their lost medals.
“Today, we honour Kenyan heroes, whose bravery and sacrifice continues to resonate across generations,” said Wigan.
“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.”
The Commissioner said that the UK acknowledges the great sacrifices made by so many in Kenya, who fought with the UK and allies, and contributed to peace.
The Councillor of the Embassy of the Order of Malta to Kenya, Sam Mattock who has pioneered the efforts to honour the veterans said the event was not about the 19 men, “but also about all the others like them from Kenya, the United Kingdom and from all over the great Commonwealth, whose service will never be forgotten.”
Mattock noted that veterans hardly talk about their time in the military, and their daily hardships in their life journey post military service, but those memories are never far away.
“These men are real (Mashujaas) /heros and are being honoured in a small way with these medals and this ceremony,” he said.
The event was hosted by UK’s Defence Adviser Brigadier Olly Bryant and witnessed by Kenya Defence Forces, caregivers and families to the veterans.
Also in attendance was the Managing Director, DEFOCA, Brigadier Joakim Mwamburi.
Those awarded were: Mwangi Kinungi, Moses Mbugua Muiru, Kilonzo Vele, Mutemi Nzunza, Nzanza Kavii Ingaa, Mulinge Nzoka, and Munyoki M Mbuko.
Others were Munyao Nguli, Kioko Ndolo, Monde Soi, Sila Kitunguu Ivulu, Mwalimu Ngula, Muinidi M Kawali, Mule Kiluu, John K Kavonga and Francis K Kimuma.
Wanguru Muragu, Jora Odhiambo and Mwangi Wanjohi Kirugumi were also awarded.
Apart from 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,” said the British High Commission in a press release.
The initiative is administered through the British Legion (Kenya) with significant assistance from the Kenyan Defence Forces Old Comrades Association.
The re-presentation of medals ceremony is the fifth to take place in Kenya with one having taken place earlier this year in Kakamega County.
That time, the British High Commissioner handed over medals to 15 veterans from Western Kenya region.
During his visit to Kenya last year, King Charles III presented Kenyan World War II veterans with replacement medals to thank them for their service at a ceremony that was held at Kariokor Cemetery.
