In a moving ceremony held at Kariene Village, Meru County, the Kenya Defence Forces Old Comrades Association (DEFOCA) paid tribute to two centenarian veterans of World War II—Private (Rtd) Mathengi Ngwiyo, aged 104, and Private (Rtd) Shadrack Twaraja M’twamwari, aged 102.

Both men served in the King’s African Rifles during the Burma campaign, having enlisted in 1942 and 1943 respectively. Their service to the Crown was recognized with commemorative medals, replacing those lost over time.

Brigadier Dixon Chivatsi, DEFOCA Managing Director, emphasized the symbolic weight of the awards, calling them “a reminder of the bravery and sacrifices that combat demands.”

The medals were procured through a collaborative effort involving DEFOCA and Colonel (Rtd) Samuel Mattock of the Embassy of the Sovereign Order of Malta.

UK Defence Advisor Brigadier Olly Bryant, representing the British government, lauded the veterans’ courage and underscored the urgency of honouring the few remaining WWII servicemen.

The event drew dignitaries from Meru County, senior KDF officers, retired personnel, and local residents, all gathered to celebrate a legacy of resilience and patriotism that continues to inspire generations.