Military to probe Jamhuri Day parade sword hitch
What you need to know:
Sources told Nation that though it was clear that he did not drop it intentionally, such cases normally lead to dismissal from the service.
Military spokesman David Obonyo on Sunday said the military could not immediately determine or say what action would be taken until a report from the investigators is released.
For about one month, the Deputy Commander of the 4th Brigade, Lieutenant Colonel Edward Banda, had been rehearsing at the Nyayo Stadium, Nairobi, in preparation for the Jamhuri Day celebrations.
Under his command, the celebration, which was attended by two presidents and other dignitaries, went on smoothly, until the last minute when his sword slipped through his gloved hand and fell down just as he was about to seek President Uhuru Kenyatta’s permission to march off the parade.
In the military, the most serious breach of sword etiquette is to drop it when making the sword salute as officers are expected to keep a firm grip.
DISMISSAL
Sources told Nation that though it was clear that he did not drop it intentionally, such cases normally lead to dismissal from the service.
However, military spokesman David Obonyo on Sunday said the military could not immediately determine or say what action would be taken until a report from the investigators is released.
He defended the officer, saying that he performed very well generally in the Saturday celebration.
“Even after the sword fell, he managed to finish the exercise and we are proud of him,” he said.
After commanding the parade to form three ranks facing the dais, Lt Col Banda led the squads to march 14 steps towards the dais.
Both President Kenyatta and the Chief of Kenya Defence Forces, General Samson Mwathethe, who sat side by side, watched every movement keenly.
