This archive report was first published on 16 March 2020.
On Friday, Defense Cabinet Secretary Dr. Monica Juma made her maiden visit to the Kenya Air Force at Moi Air Base in Eastleigh, Nairobi, where she paid her respects to soldiers who lost their lives while fighting for the country.
During her visit, CS Juma expressed her commitment to working with the Kenya Air Force (KAF) to realize their mission within the framework of the Ministry of Defense mandate.
She tweeted, 'This maiden visit was an opportunity for a comprehensive brief on 1/3 services of the KDF. I look forward to working with the KAF as they realize their mission within the framework of the MOD mandate.'
CS Juma also took the opportunity to pay her respects to the fallen soldiers, saying, 'I had a special opportunity to pay my deep respect & remember those who have paid the ultimate price in Defence of the freedom & security of our motherland, Kenya. Their sacrifice will never be in vain. The KDF and all Kenyans are inspired by your sacrifices, thank you and RIP.'
Netizens welcomed the gesture but demanded more from CS Juma, including the reinstatement of the 'Airforce Day', which was previously used to showcase the military's capabilities to the public.
One social media user, Karani Mulinya, wrote, 'Madam CS, kudos for being at the helm of defense, we humbly request if you could re-initiate the old days 'airforce day' and make it open for us to attend. This would be very grateful of you.'
Others, including Jasiri and Steve M, also called for the reinstatement of 'Navy days' and expressed their faith in CS Juma's ability to transform the defense forces.
