This archive report was first published on 8 May 2020.
General Samson Mwathethe's Perfect Finish ¶
On this 8th day of May 2020, we gather to bid farewell to a distinguished admiral who has served our motherland with distinction and admirable dedication. General Samson J.Mwathethe's sterling military career spanning over 42 years comes to a perfect finish.
As we celebrate his remarkable service, we reflect on the qualities that have defined his career. Commitment to the Kenya Defence Forces and its personnel, loyalty to country, brilliant performance, deep experience, and readiness to serve our motherland have been the hallmarks of his leadership.
Defence CS Monica Juma, on behalf of the Ministry of Defence and the people of Kenya, expresses gratitude to General Mwathethe for four decades of incredible service. 'You are a true gentle giant, a calm and purposeful person who reassures us that all will be well, even in the midst of a crisis,' she says.
General Mwathethe's tenure has been marked by significant achievements, including the transformation of the Kenya Defence Forces in stature and capability enhancement. Under his watch, the KDF has expanded its military capabilities, and Kenyans have confidence in the protection of their borders.
His commitment to the welfare of serving, retired, and families of the KDF fraternity has also been notable. The establishment of a Compensation and Welfare Scheme, commissioned in 2018, addresses the challenges faced by KDF personnel and their dependants. An ultra-modern Special Treatment Centre is currently under construction at Lang'ata and is expected to be completed this year.
General Mwathethe has also driven the development of policy and strategy documents, including the National Defence Policy and the Gender Policy, launched in 2017. These documents will positively impact the future of the KDF as a professional military.
As we bid farewell to General Mwathethe, we celebrate the principles for which he has served and for which our nation stands. His career path offers many lessons, especially to young Kenyans, that public service is an honourable calling and that we can pass our country or institutions better and stronger to those who follow behind us.
