By Peter Orengo

Two weeks ago, an angel visited and called the name of one of the most decorated Kenyan military heroes.

And as such, Major General (Rtd) Simon Kiplimo Mutai passed on after a career in the armed forces spanning three decades.

Mutai was a Kenyan hero, who only the country’s top leadership, colleagues and his family had the opportunity to know.

Born on June 28, 1952 at Ndurio village in Aldai, Nandi District, Mutai studied at Tambach Secondary School.

His schoolmates include former Central Bank Governor Micah Cheserem and Lieutenant General Lazarus Sumbeiywo.

Mutai sat his ‘O’ level examination at Shimo La Tewa High School alongside former National Assembly Speaker Francis ole Kaparo.

Coming from a district that has produced world-class athletes, Mutai was also a good athlete and represented his schools at various tournaments and won trophies.

Later, he would be decorated with the coveted Moran of the Golden Heart (MGH), Commander of the Burning Spear (CBS), Air War College (AWC-USA), PSC (UK) and became Air Force Commander in the Armed Forces.

He was enlisted in the army in 1973 and trained as a pilot in the UK.

He was commissioned as an officer in 1974 as a squadron pilot/flight commander in Nanyuki.

Few kenyans

He rose through the ranks to a Chief Flying Instructor and Commanding Officer in 1982, one of a handful of Kenyans to ever hold the position.

Many of today’s flight pilots passed through his able hands during his tenure as Defence Staff College senior instructor from the 1990s till retirement as an Assistant Chief of General Staff.

He appeared many times as a presidential commander at national functions attended by former President Moi and President Kibaki.

As an avid golfer, he often challenged friends, family and colleagues to a game.

He also loved vintage cars and participated in several Concours d’ÈlegancÈ, while not in the army.

But his first love, according to family and friends, was flying.

Mutai’s friend and former Chief of General Staff Joseph Kibwana says: "He loved his country, but most of all he loved flying. He also instilled discipline and enthusiasm in the student pilots he taught."

General Julius Karangi said Mutai, who was trained by some of the best fliers, brought innovation and air safety to the Kenya Air Force.

"Kenya’s pilots are respected in the continent because of their dedication. Mutai, one of our best fliers, pioneered these virtues in our forces," Gen Karangi told The Standard.

And his death has reawakened the debate on whether Kenyans really recognise their heroes like other countries.

While eulogising Mutai at AIC in Milimani, Nairobi, Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka said Kenyans like dwelling on negative attributes of others and forget the martyrs who show bravery in national duty.

"Kenyans are good at running others down, yet we have past and present Kenyans who have done exemplarily well in their national duty. Mutai is one such hero," Kalonzo said.

Country’s history

He said a country that does not cherish its past would most likely not show much concern for its future.

"I have been reminded of these truisms in recent weeks after reading about the forgotten Kenyan heroes.

"These sorts of stories tend to generate a lot of indignation among citizens who are demanding, and rightly so, that national heroes be accorded the respect and recognition they deserve," he added.

A neighbour, Ms Sylvia Nyambeki said: He must have been one of a kind, a great teacher, father, friend and a hero."

Mutai’s son Steve said his father was the best he could have prayed for.

"For the time I spent with my father, I was amazed by how approachable he was, yet he was a revered man in the military. He could bring a smile to anyone, even during adversity. That is a true gift," he said.