I watched soldiers train here as a boy! Ruto recalls childhood memories at KDF Day celebrations in Eldoret

President William Ruto during KDF Day on October 14, 2025 / PCS

President William Ruto on Tuesday took a nostalgic walk down memory lane as he attended the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) Day celebrations at Moi Barracks in Eldoret.

The President recalled his childhood connection to the historic Moi Barracks military base.

Speaking in full Commander-in-Chief Uniform, the President said the visit stirred memories of his school days at Kamagut Primary School, located near the barracks.

“As I donned this Commander-In-Chief uniform today, it reminded me of my early years as a pupil in Kamagut Primary School just next door. In 1979 when this base was set up, I was a Standard Six pupil. Today, with a lot of pride, I saw the choir from St Mark my village mates singing here, and they were singing about a Commander-in-Chief. I don’t know whether they knew who that was,” he said.

Ruto reflected on the transformation of Moi Barracks over the years, saying the progress mirrors Kenya’s broader growth in strengthening national security.

“With a lot of pride, I see the development that has gone on in this institution and the great strides made by not just the Ninth Battalion but the Kenya Defence Forces. Congratulations on all the positive steps that you are taking to secure our nation,” he said.

He also shared vivid memories of watching military drills as a young boy, long before he ever imagined leading the nation.

“Once upon a time, I watched as a pupil as there was training of soldiers around this compound. We saw them carry huge logs on their shoulders and go through waters. Today I take pride that Kenya is making positive steps,” the President said.

The KDF Day celebrations honour the service and sacrifices of Kenyan soldiers in defending the country’s sovereignty and supporting regional peace missions.

Ruto said the Kenya Defence Forces Day occasion is a moment of deep national pride, a day when the country pause to honour the gallant men and women in uniform, officers whose enduring courage and steadfast devotion to duty have safeguarded the sovereignty, upheld the security, and advanced stability and prosperity.

Today’s celebrations, he said, guided by the theme 'Enhancing a SoldierCentric Approach Towards Mission Readiness for National Security and Development', come at a defining moment, capturing both the spirit of times and the enduring call to place the soldier at the heart of the national security and development agenda.

The President added that the country is reminded that the true heart of the national defence lies not only in weapons or technology - vital though they are - but in the courage, welfare, and unwavering readiness of the Kenyan soldier.

"It is the soldier who stands as the living shield of our sovereignty, the steadfast pillar upon which our security, progress, and national destiny are built," he said.