The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) has promoted a Kenya Air Force (KAF) soldier following his outstanding performance at the 13th All African Games held in Ghana.
KDF in a statement on March 28, 2024, noted that the soldier, who is also a professional boxer, has been promoted to the rank of a Sergeant.
“Corporal Edwin Okong’o of Wajir Air Base (WAB) was today awarded The Certificate of Commanders Commendation and promoted to the rank of a Sergeant,” read part of the statement.
KAF Commander Major General John Omenda presided over the promotion and awarding ceremony flagged by Senior Officers, Officers and Service members.
According to the statement by KDF, Okong’os outstanding performance at the African Games saw him become the first boxer from East and Central Africa to win a gold medal in the sport in 17 years.
KDF Soldier hailed
Speaking during the event, the KAF Commander congratulated the new Sergeant on his great performance noting the impressive nature of this fete.
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“Well-done and congratulations for the good work put out there. It’s of great joy that your winning has come during the on-going promotion and for that let this rank be a motivation and morale to you so you can keep winning,” Major General Omenda.
Further, Base Commander WAB, Brigadier Stephen Sane urged the champion to aim for more international boxing matches and encouraged him to keep flying the KAF flag high.
According to KDF, Sgt. Okong’o is the reigning Inter-cities Boxing Challenge Champion and African Military Games Bronze medalist.
While speaking following his promotion, he expressed his gratitude for the recognition by the Commander, adding that he was highly motivated to achieve greater heights.
African games
The African Games formerly known as the All-Africa Games, or the Pan African Games are a continental multi-sport event held every four years.
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They are Organized by the African Union (AU) in collaboration with the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA) and the Association of African Sports Confederations (AASC).
The 2024 edition which was held in Accra, Ghana, brought together athletes from across the African continent, concluded on Saturday, March 23, 2024.
Sergeant Okong’o joined other notable Kenyans as athletes who clinched gold during the games.
Notable gold medalists for Kenya included Mary Moraa in the Women’s 400 meters, Brian Komen in the 1500 meters race, and Aaron Cheningwa in the Men’s 800 meters.
Egypt emerged as the top-performing nation, securing a total of 191 medals across various competitions.
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