Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, led a solemn ceremony in Mwatate, Taita Taveta County, to unveil the Joint Africa-India Commemorative Pillar at Mile 27 Railway Bridge—a historic World War I site.
The monument, built with support from the Indian government, honours the shared sacrifice of African and Indian soldiers who fought side by side over a century ago during the East African campaign of World War I.
“This solemn occasion represents a long-overdue recognition of the shared sacrifice made by African and Indian soldiers during the First World War,” said CS Tuya.
“Brave young men, separated by distance but united by duty, fought and fell together in defence of ideals that transcend national borders.”
Tuya noted that the monument symbolises the strong Kenya-India defence ties, which were forged through such early military cooperation and have since grown to encompass training, technology, and strategic partnerships.
The Cabinet Secretary was accompanied by India’s State Minister for Defence Sanjay Seth and Assistant Chief of Defence Forces Maj. Gen. Fredrick Leuria, who represented Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Charles Kahariri.
Maj Gen Leuria hailed the fallen soldiers as heroes whose actions shaped world history.
“Though their battles may seem small in history books, their sacrifice was immense. This commemorative pillar gives their story a voice and symbolises the enduring bond between our nations,” he said.
Historical records indicate that over 50,000 Indian soldiers and thousands of Africans—many serving in the King’s African Rifles—were deployed in the East African theatre.
On September 19, 1915, the Mile 27 Railway Bridge became the scene of a fierce German ambush on a British relief train, leading to the deaths of 20 soldiers. Despite the assault, the Germans failed to destroy the bridge, which remained a vital British supply route.
The event was also attended by Acting Indian High Commissioner to Kenya Sushil Prasad, Mwatate MP Peter Shake, and Deputy County Commissioner Miriam Tilas.
