The new Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) of Kenya Charles Kahariri inspected the military drills by service members of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) in Bungoma on Tuesday, May 28, 2024.
The drills were conducted ahead of the June 1, 2024, Madaraka Day celebrations set to take place at the Masinde Muliro stadium in Bungoma County.
Kahariri is set to grace his first national event alongside President William Ruto since he was appointed to replace the late General Francis Ogolla who died in a tragic chopper accident.
In a statement, Bungoma County Governor Kenneth Lusaka witnessed the drills terming it as a thrilling military parade.
During his swearing-in on May 3, 2024, at the State House, Kahariri was first promoted from the position of the Vice Chief of Defence Forces to a general before being appointed to head the country’s defence forces.
The KDF officers arrived in Bungoma County to safeguard state installations and strategic logistical infrastructure ahead of the event that will see President Ruto and senior government officials from within and in the region attend.
Already, different areas have been set apart to hold the various gatherings that will mark the first-ever Madaraka Day in Bungoma County.
The county commissioner’s residence will host the state luncheon while Matulo airstrip will be buzzing with activity due to the number of guests expected for the occasion.
Madaraka preparations
Earlier in May, Internal Security and National Administration Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo toured the grounds and remarked that everything was in place for the success of the event.
“Our last point of call was the County Commissioner’s residence which will be the garden where the President will host the luncheon. That is ready, the contractor will hand over the site and we are confident that all other preparations for the celebrations will be completed in time,” Omollo said at the time.
Also present in Bungoma is a contingent of the National Youth Service (NYS) which is finishing up the renovation of the terraces at the Masinde Muliro stadium.
Alongside officers of the police service, the NYS is also expected to conduct service drills in front of thousands of guests expected at the stadium.
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