Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga was accorded a
17-gun salute and the ceremonial last post by the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) in
a dignified military send-off at Kang’o Ka Jaramogi in Bondo, Siaya County.
Each blast echoed across the fields of Bondo, symbolising
the nation’s deep respect for Raila’s lifelong service to democracy, justice,
and freedom.
Moments later, a lone military bugler sounded the last post,
the traditional bugle call marking the end of a soldier’s duty.
The full military honours were conducted in line with the
presidential proclamation issued by President William Ruto immediately after
Raila’s death was announced on October 15, 2025.
Raila served as Kenya's second prime minister from 2008 to 2013
in a power-sharing deal he signed with then-President Mwai Kibaki.
The directive ordered that the veteran opposition leader and
statesman be given an official funeral with full national and military honours,
befitting his contribution to the country.
Military honours are steeped in history and tradition,
serving as profound expressions of respect, remembrance, and the solemnity of
service.
In Kenya, as in many Commonwealth nations, the gun salute
and The Last Post are two such powerful ceremonies, deeply embedded in military
protocol for state events, funerals, and memorial services.
These acts are not merely symbolic gestures; they are
precise, regimented traditions that convey honour, sorrow, and a final farewell.
The gun salute
A gun salute involves the ceremonial discharge of artillery
or rifle fire. Its origins are diverse, tracing back to naval traditions where
firing cannons emptied them, demonstrating peaceful intent. Over time, it
evolved into a formal tribute.
In the Kenyan context, gun salutes are reserved for specific
occasions and individuals:
State Funerals: The most common public association of a gun
salute is with the state funeral of a Head of State or other high-ranking
dignitaries. The number of rounds fired is strictly regulated by protocol,
typically correlating with the individual's rank and status. For instance, a
21-gun salute is the highest honour, generally reserved for sovereigns, heads of
state, and sometimes heads of government.
National Days and Celebrations: Gun salutes can also mark
significant national events, such as Jamhuri Day (Republic Day) or during the
inauguration of a new president, signifying national pride and the authority of
the state.
Visiting Dignitaries: Distinguished foreign heads of state
or royalty visiting Kenya may also be welcomed with a gun salute, an
international gesture of respect.
The execution of a gun salute requires immense precision.
Artillery pieces, often 105mm ceremonial guns, are fired at exact intervals by
a trained detachment from the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), ensuring a
synchronised and impactful display.
The sound reverberates, a potent reminder of military
discipline and the gravity of the occasion.
The Last Post
The Last Post is a bugle call, a poignant and instantly
recognisable piece of military music synonymous with remembrance and final
goodbyes.
Its origins lie in the British Army, where it was
historically sounded in barracks to signal the end of the day, marking that all
sentry posts were manned and the camp was secure.
In modern Kenyan military tradition, "The Last
Post" has taken on a more solemn role:
Military Funerals: It is an indispensable part of the
committal service at military funerals, played as the casket is lowered or at a
memorial.
The mournful melody signifies that the duty of the fallen
soldier is complete, their watch is over, and they have gone to their final
rest.
Remembrance Day: On Remembrance Day (November 11th),
observed in Kenya to honour those who died in the World Wars and other
conflicts, "The Last Post" is played during ceremonies across the
country, particularly at war memorials like the Kariokor Commonwealth War
Graves Cemetery in Nairobi.
It precedes a period of silence, allowing for quiet
reflection and tribute.
Parades and Memorials: The call is also featured in various
military parades and memorial services, serving to evoke a sense of hallowed
remembrance for past sacrifices.
Typically, “The Last Post" is played by a lone bugler
or trumpeter, enhancing its melancholic and reflective character.
Together, the gun salute and The Last Post form an integral
part of Kenya's military heritage, ensuring that the sacrifices of its
servicemen and women, and the solemnity of national occasions, are honored with
the dignity and respect they profoundly deserve.
