The award, the Silver Star of Kenya (SS), is one of the country’s highest honours for courage and distinguished service.
It acknowledges individuals who demonstrate remarkable bravery and commitment in the line of duty.
Kitwai’s recognition places him among the country’s revered heroes who paid the ultimate price while serving beyond Kenya’s borders.
Kitwai was deployed to Haiti as part of the Multinational Security Support Mission, working alongside international partners to stabilise regions affected by gang violence and to protect civilians in volatile areas.
Kitwai was deployed to Haiti as part of the Multinational Security Support Mission, working alongside international partners to stabilise regions affected by gang violence and to protect civilians in volatile areas.
His role as a gunner placed him on the frontline of hazardous patrols, often confronting armed gangs in high-risk environments.
During the ceremony, State House officials recounted the tragic events leading to Kitwai’s death. On 23 February 2025, while on a routine patrol, Kitwai and his colleagues were ambushed by a suspected gang.
During the ceremony, State House officials recounted the tragic events leading to Kitwai’s death. On 23 February 2025, while on a routine patrol, Kitwai and his colleagues were ambushed by a suspected gang.
Despite the sudden attack, Kitwai and his team displayed courage and discipline, engaging the assailants to protect the lives of civilians in the area.
“The team engaged the gangs, inflicting injuries and repulsing them, thereby saving lives in an unprecedented incident,” a State House commentator said during the awards conferment.
Tragically, Kitwai sustained critical injuries during the encounter. He was immediately rushed to medical facilities, but his wounds proved fatal.
“The team engaged the gangs, inflicting injuries and repulsing them, thereby saving lives in an unprecedented incident,” a State House commentator said during the awards conferment.
Tragically, Kitwai sustained critical injuries during the encounter. He was immediately rushed to medical facilities, but his wounds proved fatal.
“In the process, the officer was fatally shot. Upon arrival at the hospital, it was established that he had succumbed to his injuries,” the commentator added.
President William Ruto presented the Silver Star to Kitwai’s family, emphasising the significance of recognising the sacrifice of officers who serve the nation with distinction.
President William Ruto presented the Silver Star to Kitwai’s family, emphasising the significance of recognising the sacrifice of officers who serve the nation with distinction.
The ceremony reflected on patriotism, courage, and commitment to peacekeeping, underscoring the role of Kenya’s security personnel in contributing to international stability.
For Kitwai’s family, colleagues, and the wider police service, the award serves as a solemn acknowledgment of a life dedicated to service and a heroic act that saved others, even at the cost of his own.
For Kitwai’s family, colleagues, and the wider police service, the award serves as a solemn acknowledgment of a life dedicated to service and a heroic act that saved others, even at the cost of his own.
The Silver Star of Kenya represents a lasting tribute to his bravery and the values he embodied as a member of the national police.
Speaking during the awards, officials reiterated that Kitwai’s actions exemplified the highest standards of professionalism and sacrifice.
Speaking during the awards, officials reiterated that Kitwai’s actions exemplified the highest standards of professionalism and sacrifice.
His courage under fire not only contributed to the success of the multinational mission but also sent a powerful message about Kenya’s commitment to international peacekeeping and humanitarian efforts.
Kenya has a proud history of deploying officers in peacekeeping missions worldwide, with personnel often operating in environments that are volatile and unpredictable.
The posthumous award also reinforces the importance of honouring service members who demonstrate courage, integrity, and devotion to duty, ensuring that their legacy inspires future generations of officers and citizens alike.
Kenya has a proud history of deploying officers in peacekeeping missions worldwide, with personnel often operating in environments that are volatile and unpredictable.
The posthumous award also reinforces the importance of honouring service members who demonstrate courage, integrity, and devotion to duty, ensuring that their legacy inspires future generations of officers and citizens alike.
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