28/05/2025
Celebrating 46 Years of Brotherhood – Cadets Intake 09 Reunion
On 29th March 1979, after completing 323 intense days of cadet training at the Armed Forces Training College in Lanet, we—the officers of Cadets Intake 09—proudly marched across the iconic "yellow mark." This day was especially historic as it marked the first commissioning parade officiated by the late H.E. Hon. Daniel Toroitich Arap Moi after becoming the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Kenya Armed Forces.
On 24th May 2025, 46 years later, we reunited in Nairobi under the guidance of our Patron, Gen (Rtd) Samson Mwathethe, to celebrate our shared journey and the legacy we’ve built over the years. The gathering offered us a chance to reconnect, reflect on our careers from 2nd Lieutenant to retirement, and honour the bond that has remained unbroken over the decades.
We were privileged to have with us Gen (Rtd) DRC Tonje, the 5th Chief of Defence Forces, who served as our Commanding Officer at the Leadership Wing when he was a Lieutenant Colonel. Also present was the Wing RSM and our no-nonsense Drill and Duties Instructor, Warrant Officer Class 1 Gerry Lisimba, whose influence during our training left a lasting impression on us all.
A touching highlight of the reunion was the presentation of a wheelchair to WO1 Lisimba, a generous donation from the Nyeri Veterans, coordinated by Maj Gen (Rtd) L. Tumbo. The wheelchair was officially handed over by Retired WO1 Mulandi, in a gesture of gratitude and respect for a man who helped shape us during our formative years.
We extend our sincere appreciation to the reunion organizing team—Maj Gen (Rtd) Andrew Ikenye (Chairman), Col (Rtd) Rogers Mbithi (Treasurer), and Lt (Rtd) Martin Kathurima (Secretary)—for their tireless efforts in planning and executing this successful event.
We are also grateful to the CDF, Gen Charles Kahariri, for granting us the opportunity to host the event at the Defence Forces Welfare Services facility, and to the Managing Director, Brig. Peter Limo, for his presence and ensuring excellent hospitality throughout.
Looking ahead, our third reunion is scheduled for the same month next year. We encourage all Intake 09 members who missed this gathering to make plans to attend. As we continue to serve our nation in various ways, we remain united in friendship, pride, and purpose.
