Efforts to recognize and identify African soldiers and porters who served in World War I, particularly in the East African campaign, are gaining momentum. During the 8th commemoration ceremony at the Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery in Taveta, Brigadier John Kiswaa, Deputy Commander of the Kenya Navy, highlighted the importance of honoring these unsung heroes.
Many African soldiers and porters made significant contributions to the war, often paying the ultimate price. Brigadier Kiswaa noted that their sacrifice laid the foundation for the peace enjoyed today. “The peace we enjoy is because of the sacrifices made by these brave individuals,” he said.
Progress in Identifying African Soldiers
Brigadier Kiswaa revealed that ongoing efforts have already identified 12 names of African soldiers, with more expected to follow. He emphasized that this is a pan-African initiative, recognizing soldiers from various Commonwealth countries who played a pivotal role in logistics and combat during the war.
This exercise aims to trace and acknowledge their contributions one by one, Kiswaa affirmed.
Promoting Kenya’s Wartime History
The two-day commemoration included ceremonies in Voi, Maktau, and Taveta, drawing local residents, diplomats, and military representatives from several Commonwealth nations.
Historian Willie Mwadilo stressed the need to promote Taita Taveta County’s rich wartime history. He called on local and national authorities to enhance the region’s historical attractions, such as the Taita Hills Museum and the World War I battlefields around Voi and Taveta.
“These sites hold invaluable lessons about the East African campaign, yet they are not well-known. With proper marketing, they could become major tourist and educational resources,” said Mwadilo.
Spotlight on Kasigau and Other Historical Sites
Mwadilo also highlighted the historical significance of Kasigau, an area deeply affected by the war. He urged the government to ensure that Kasigau’s contributions are remembered and its story preserved.
Donald Mwakio, curator of the World War I Museum at Taita Hills, echoed these sentiments. He pointed out that despite hosting significant sites like Mile 27 and Fort Mashotti, visitor numbers have declined due to insufficient marketing.
These are irreplaceable historical treasures. More needs to be done to raise awareness, especially among local communities,” Mwakio emphasized.
Calls for Greater Public Awareness
Local attendee Joki Mohoho lamented the lack of awareness among Kenyans about their own history. “We know so much about events like the French Revolution but so little about our heroes who fought for our peace,” she said. Mohoho called for educational reforms to prioritize local history and for more Kenyans to visit these sites.
Preserving the Legacy
In his closing remarks, Brigadier Kiswaa reaffirmed the Kenya Defence Forces’ commitment to preserving the legacy of African soldiers who served in World War I. He stressed the importance of continued efforts to identify the fallen soldiers and to ensure their sacrifices are remembered by future generations.
