Remarks by his Excellency Hon. Dr. William Samoei Ruto, PhD., C.G.H., President of the Republic of Kenya and commander-in-chief of the defence forces, on the occasion of officer cadets commissioning parade at the Kenya Military Academy in Lanet
Remarks · 10 March 2023
10th MARCH 2023
Today is a great day. We celebrate the successful completion of a rigorous process by the Commissioning Cadets. The Commandant of the Kenya Military Academy assures me that this class has performed well in the training, instruction and mentorship that they have undergone to acquire induction into the profession of arms.
I am therefore proud to preside over the commissioning of a highly deserving cohort of skilled and competent military professionals. We are satisfied that you are sufficiently prepared with the right skills, academic knowledge and other necessary competencies required to excel in the monumental task of defending the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our country.
Congratulations to the commissioning cadets on this remarkable achievement. Congratulations also to the Kenya military academy fraternity, through the Commandant, for the splendid job of preparing a new generation of military leaders for the task of protecting the freedom of our people and securing our way of life.
Kenya is laying the groundwork to support socioeconomic transformation on a historic scale and I am also certain that our allies represented here are also doing the same. We are acutely conscious that democracy and prosperity stand on and proceed from the firm foundation of security and stability.
Professional defence forces are indispensable to the attainment of our most fundamental aspirations, including good governance and economic development. This truth places this function and the role of our defence forces in their proper context.
The noble profession you have been inducted into has begun the process of progressively equipping you with the capacity and authority to live up to its iconic ethos of discipline, integrity, honour and courage. This affirms our confidence that you shall, over time, rise to your call of duty and demonstrate what you stand for, as professionals and defend who we are as a people.
I am encouraged to note that the Kenya Defence Forces through the Kenya Military Academy, in particular, continues to employ a futuristic approach to professional training and development in order to become increasingly effective in a complex operational environment and to respond decisively to diverse and rapidly evolving challenges.
In the Horn of Africa, peace and security efforts continue to dictate the regional agenda and to dominate our engagements as we pursue the broader strategy to recover stability in what has, unfortunately, become a rough neighbourhood. Countering violent extremism, combating illegal movement of small arms, peace-building and peace-keeping initiatives will therefore continue to occupy our security institutions.
It is in this light that I appreciate the fact that several neighbouring countries have sent cadets to train with us and this not only improves international security partnerships, it also enhances our collective understanding of common security threats in our region. Further, as our socioeconomic transformation accelerates through regional integration, this partnership will secure the vitality of a thriving regional economy and guarantee the well-being of hundreds of millions of people.
I want to take this opportunity to remind our officers of their high constitutional mandate enshrined in the constitution. Article 241, which establishes the Kenya Defence Forces, spells out that they are responsible for the defence and protection of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic, and further allows that the KDF may be deployed to restore peace in any part of Kenya affected by unrest and instability.
It is unfortunate that for many generations now parts of our country have been besieged by armed bandits who have killed innocent, peaceful and law-abiding and plundered communities with impunity. As a result, families have been displaced and impoverished, the provision of public services disrupted and development held back as the rest of this country moves forward.
The fundamental rights and freedoms under Articles 26, 28 and 29, particularly of life, dignity and freedom and security of affected people have been violated consistently without redress.
Article 21 states that it is the fundamental duty of the State and every state organ to observe, respect, protect, promote and fulfil the rights and fundamental freedoms in the Bill of Rights.
The dangerously misguided idea that people can acquire illegal arms, mobilise to commit murder, robbery, violence and other criminal acts, displace, torment peaceful communities, cause suffering and insecurity must come to an end. We have made our commitment to end cattle rustling, banditry and other criminal activities in every part of this country.
I am absolutely confident that we can rely on the KDF and our security system to secure the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Kenya as mandated in the constitution, without any difficulty whatsoever. We will be decisive in stamping out banditry and neutralizing every bandit who defies the government and attempts any illegal or criminal act.
As we appreciate the defence forces and security services for their steadfast patriotism and commitment to the security of our country and safety of all citizens, let us also salute those gallant soldiers who have paid the ultimate price in the line of duty. The best way we can demonstrate our appreciation is by supporting our security services, providing information that can assist them in doing their work and doing our share of community policing.
Let us also live up to the aspirations of our fallen heroes by fulfilling our patriotic duty to enhance national unity, deepening unity, cohesion and tolerance. Let your ethnic and religious diversity be your strength in serving Kenyans of all walks of life, from every part of the country, to the best of your ability and without fear or favour. You will be our ambassadors and advocates of unity in diversity.
To the Commissioned Officers, as you proceed on your duties, I urge you to stay mindful of the high expectations of the people of Kenya, with the encouraging reminder that as a matter of proud tradition, the Kenya Defence Forces has always met and even exceeded these expectations without fail. As long as you remain true to your sacred oath, serve your nation faithfully, courageously, honourably and diligently. You should do well without undue difficulty. You are the next generation of military leaders and you must be ready to sustain the institution’s legacy, reputation and tradition of excellence, which is the source of much national pride.
I therefore wish you success in your duty and commend each one of you to the protection and blessing of almighty God, that you may do good and do well always.
I also thank the families and friends of every commissioned officer and recognize their invaluable support, which has been, and will always remain essential throughout the careers of these brave young men and women. Thank you. May God bless you. God bless Kenya.