A total of 15 veterans who served in the British Army during World War II of 1939-1945 from Western Kenya were on Thursday decorated with medals of honour.
United Kingdom (UK) High Commissioner to Kenya Neil Wigan honoured the 15 veterans with the medals.
“I’m proud to represent the UK and honour the service of these great men to ensure their contribution is not forgotten,” Neil Wigan said during the award ceremony held at Kakamega Sports club.
Wigan said the medals are a symbol of the appreciation of the British Government, not only to the Kenyan veterans but also to those across the commonwealth who fought with the UK and contributed to peace in the world.
The High Commissioner, said the medal replacement is part of a wider initiative to honour the vital role played by Kenyan veterans who took part in World War II and replace lost medals.
In addition to replacing lost medals to the veterans, the UK Government through the Royal Commonwealth initiative has continued to support veterans and widows through welfare grants to support their family needs.
This was the fourth ceremony to take place on Kenyan soil and comes a few months after His Majesty the King Charles III presented medals to four war veterans at the Kariokor Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery in Nairobi during last November.
The 15 veterans awarded
They include; Joseck Odambi Okwako; Wilson Nzosi Litasa, Meshack L Musire and Joseph Murana from Kakamega County.
Boaz Akoto Kehodo, Musa Ombazi Lusina, Laban Kehenji Kidaki,and Philemon Mudamba from Vihiga County.
Others were Laboso Kipkemoi Cheruiyot, Helly Kipngeno Ngetich, Cheruiyot A Ngeny, and Paul Kipkoech Barchok from Kericho County.
Also awarded was William Sitini Wanjala from Bungoma County and Joshua Korigo Barno and Kipsang Arap Bargetuny from Nandi County.
