Moment KDF Son & Father Shed Tears During Pass-Out Ceremony

The photo, which has since gone viral, captured the emotional moment the duo broke down and wept as the KDF recruit graduated.

President William Ruto on May 15, 2024, presided over the Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) graduates pass-out parade at Moi Barracks in Eldoret.

As Kenyans were keen to note the large number of KDF recruits who made it to the pass out, most of them were touched by another defining moment where one of the recruits and his father were captured shedding tears at the ceremony.

The photo which has since gone viral captured the emotional moment the duo broke down and wept as the son graduated.

In the photo seen by The Kenya Times, the elderly father and his son were seemingly unable to believe the moment had come to pass after six months of rigorous training.

Kenyans took to social media to react to the picture, with a majority concluding that only the two could understand the struggle they’ve endured for the son’s military dream to become a reality.

Moment KDF Son & Father Shed Tears During Pass-Out Ceremony — Father and son emotional during KDF Pass out Parade in Eldoret. PHOTO/Courtesy

Langa’ata Member of Parliament (MP) Felix Odiwuor alias Jalang’o reacted to the photo highlighting the joy parents get to experience when they see their struggles and sacrifices bear fruits through their children’s success.

Kenyans React to Emotional Moment

“We left home to change home! God bless our parents to be able to see their struggles and sacrifices they made for us come to pass,” he said.

Daniel Chepta on the other hand reacted describing the photo as the highlight of the day.

Also Read: Family Reveals Little Known Details of KDF Journalist Killed in Chopper Crash

Also, Dr Kimutai reacted saying that the weeping signified a reprieving moment in the KDF recruit’s family.

“Old man and his son shed tears of joy after KDF recruits pass out yesterday. This gesture signified a reprieve in the family after a long trial. May God keep this family for long to enjoy the fruits of their son,” said Kimutai.

Another user named Mucheke Jeff described the moment as a sign of how impactful fair recruitment and employment opportunities can be to people.

“The feeling of true happiness. Tears of happiness. The happiness of a successful son. The happiness of a father giving out his last coin he has toiled with sweat, blood, and tears to the only hope and pillar of the family, and seeing it bear fruits. May this son be the Messiah for this humble family,” reacted Kay Sparks.

Also Read: Meet Survivor of KDF Chopper Crash That Killed CDF Ogolla

Fredrick Odhiambo on the other hand described the picture as a moment of prosperity saying that the KDF recruit will always remember the day his elderly father shed tears.

KDF Pass Out Parade

President Ruto presided over the pass out parade of recruits at the Defense Forces Recruits Training School (DFRTS) in Eldoret which marked the completion of six months of Basic Military Training.

During the training, the recruits are equipped with skills including combat marksmanship, drill duties, career development, field craft, and physical training among others.

In the pass-out ceremony, the recruits took an oath of allegiance before the Commander-in-Chief, officially entering the ranks of the KDF.

President Ruto awarded recruits who demonstrated exemplary performance throughout their training and congratulated the new soldiers for enduring the rigorous basic military training, urging them to uphold the values of courage, integrity, resilience, and honor, which define the noble tradition of the KDF.

“As you transition to your respective services, formations, and units, let me remind you of the nation’s expectations. You must live up to your professional duties by sustaining the attributes of selflessness, diligence, and teamwork.

“The oath of allegiance you have taken initiates a sacred trust on behalf of the people of Kenya, committing you irrevocably to embody the values of patriotism, professionalism, and loyalty as members of the KDF,” said Ruto.

According to KDF, this year’s parade was notable for its size and diversity, with over 4000 recruits, of which more than 1000 are Service Women, making it the largest in history.

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