President William Ruto on Thursday presided over the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) consecration, presentation, and third trooping of colours ceremony for Wajir airmen.
The ceremony officially formalised the Wajir Airbase meaning they were handed the presidential and regimental colours. The airbase will now receive its budget and conduct its full operations going forward.
The event took place at Uhuru Gardens in Lang'ata, Nairobi, where
Ruto led the nation in commemorating the 61st Jamhuri Day celebrations.
The ceremony began with the President inspecting a Guard of Honour mounted by the KDF services, including the Kenya Army, Kenya Air Force (KAF), and Kenya Navy, all escorted by the KDF Band.
The President was accompanied by the Chief of Defence Forces, General Charles Kahariri.
In military tradition, colours symbolize the honour bestowed upon a unit or base.
They are a highly guarded and treasured possession, as their loss could lead to the disbandment of the unit or base.
When a unit is designated to troop its colour, it is an honour for the regiment, as it has the opportunity to proudly showcase its colours in the ceremony known as the "Trooping of Colour."
The colours represent the spirit of the regiment and the
exemplary service performed by the specific unit.
The consecration and presentation of the unit's colours to the battalion marks the final milestone in its formation.
The Presidential Colour is trooped when a unit or base performs a national ceremony in which the Commander-in-Chief or a visiting Head of State is honoured with a military parade, known as a Guard of Honour.
The Regimental Colour is presented to a unit or base simultaneously with the Presidential Colour and is displayed during ceremonies for General Officers, who are accorded Half Guard Parades during their courtesy visits.
Both the Presidential and Regimental Colours are carried by a commissioned officer and escorted by two armed senior non-commissioned officers.
The practice of "Trooping the Colour" originated
in 17th-century England, where the Queen's Colour, a symbol of sovereignty, was
showcased in an elaborate ceremony. After independence, the Presidential and
Regimental Colours replaced those of the Queen.
