The military gun carriage used in Kenya’s state funerals is part of the Kenya Defense Forces’ ceremonial equipment.
It is deployed only during state funerals of former Heads of State and prominent national figures.
The carriage symbolizes discipline, dignity, and national unity, reflecting military precision and respect for leadership.
This ceremonial practice was first introduced in Kenya during the state funeral of Mzee Jomo Kenyatta in 1978 and has since been adopted as a state protocol for subsequent national leaders.
On Friday, October 18, a gun carriage towed the coffin carrying former Prime Minister raila Odinga’s body out of Parliament Buildings where his body layedi in state to the Nyayo nation Stadium for the much-awaited State Funeral.
In a show of military precision, the ACMAT VLRA gun carriage maintained a slow pace as it pulled the coffin draped with Kenya’s flag. Military officers were aboard the special military vehicle, a sight that signalled the signifcance of Raila in Kenya’s public service and governance.
The vehicle, painted in green colour, is produced by Ateliers de Construction Mecanique de IAtlantique, a subsidiary of French automobile Renault Trucks Defence. The carriage uses a four by four system and is designed to pull artillery by militaries across the world. However, the vehicle has proven to be multi-purpose as it has been used to accord fallen soldiers and leaders last respects.
So far, the vehicle has been used in the funerals of three other Kenyan leaders, former Presidents Daniel Moi and Mwai Kibaki, and later Chief of Defense Forces Francis Ogolla in 2024.
Daniel Arap Moi: 19th Battalion Gun Carriage
During the state funeral of Daniel Toroitich Arap Moi in February 2020, the KDF used the French-made ACMAT VLRA (Véhicule de Liaison, de Reconnaissance et d’Appui) tactical truck to transport his body.
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The gun carriage, operated by the 19th Battalion Kenya Artillery, transported Moi’s flag-draped casket from Lee Funeral Home to Parliament Buildings, where it lay in state.
The procession continued to Nyayo Stadium for the national memorial and later to Kabarak for burial.
The ceremony featured a 19-gun salute, a full military band, and senior officers serving as pallbearers, signifying the former President’s high national status.
Mwai Kibaki: Replica of Moi’s Procession
Two years later, in April 2022, the same ACMAT VLRA gun carriage was used for the state funeral of Mwai Kibaki.
The vehicle, a four-by-four multirole troop carrier, is designed for reconnaissance, escort, and support duties in military operations. It accommodates two officers in the crew cabin and twelve others in the troop compartment.
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For Kibaki’s farewell, the truck carried his casket, draped in the Kenyan flag, from Lee Funeral Home to Parliament Buildings, escorted by the Kenya Army band, outriders, and a guard of honour.
The procession was led by Brigadier Jeff Nyagah, who was then the commander of the ninth KDF contingent in Somalia.
Although built for combat, the vehicle has never been used in warfare in Kenya. It is reserved solely for ceremonial events such as state funerals and national parades.
Raila Odinga: Continuity of State Protocol
Following his death in October 2025, Raila Amolo Odinga was accorded similar military honours.
Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), his casket, draped in the Kenyan flag, was placed on a KDF ceremonial gun carriage, escorted by a military band and honour guards.
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The gun carriage was accompanied by full military honours, including a military band and a ceremonial guard.
The body was transported on the gun carriage from JKIA to Lee Funeral Home, then later to Moi International Stadium, Kasarani, for public viewing.
Raila’s gun carriage procession was heavily secured and coordinated, reflecting the significance of Raila Odinga’s status as a senior statesman and a key figure in Kenya’s democratic history.
Military officers stood guard and provided a ceremonial escort, emphasising tradition and respect.
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