It’s time we honoured military veterans

The funeral of Major (Rtd) Joe Kibutu (the giant) has left me wondering whether we understand and acknowledge our military veterans well enough. The last month has seen no less than 14 officers lose their lives in Wajir and Garissa. Kenya has over 40,000 veterans and their truth and experiences have not been told well.

I recently visited the Muhammad Ali Centre in the company of Robert Emerson, a US military veteran. Ali was not just a three-time heavyweight boxing champion of the world, he was also a conscientious objector who refused to be conscripted to fight in the 1960s Vietnam war. My guide on the other hand, had. As we visited the Louisville centre and other tourist spots in Kentucky, Emerson’s veterans’ cap attracted salutary comments like “thank you for your service, sir” and the occasional offer of a drink.