Former Harambee Stars midfielder Elijah Koranga has exited the Kenya Defence Forces after serving the nation for 40 years.
KDF held a farewell ceremony on Friday, October 4, 2024, for Koranga, who held the title of Warrant Officer Class One (WO1) as he exited the forces.
The farewell event also served as the investiture of the incoming DFSM, WO1 Bwana Haji, took place at Defence Hurlingham headquarters, Nairobi, and was presided over by Chief of the Defence Forces (CDF) General Charles Kahariri.
According to a KDF statement, Chief of Defence Forces Charles Kahariri praised WO1 Koranga for his amiable personality and his all-around success in military duty, sports, and family life, acknowledging his 40 years of selfless service to the nation of Kenya and to KDF.
“Kahariri recalled their time working closely together, noting that Koranga had been a source of encouragement, motivation, and sound advice.
“The CDF encouraged all service members to emulate WO1 Koranga’s accomplishments. He also congratulated WO1 Haji on his new role,” the statement said.
Vice Chief of the Defence Forces (VCDF) Lieutenant General John Omenda highlighted the event as a reflection of KDF’s growth and professionalism, urging all personnel to maintain these high standards.
Assistant Chief of the Defence Forces in Charge of Personnel and Logistics (ACDF P&L) Major General David Keter echoed these sentiments, assuring the new DFSM of the leadership’s full support, the KDF statement added.
Koranga in KDF
“WO1 Koranga retires after 40 years of service, having enlisted in 1984. He served in various units and capacities, including the 3rd Battalion Kenya Rifles (3KR), 2 Brigade, and the Kenya Military Academy, before being appointed Army Sergeant Major and later DFSM in 2019.
“WO1 Haji, who previously served as the Kenya Navy Sergeant Major, steps into the DFSM role, the highest-ranking position among non-commissioned officers in the KDF. The DFSM serves as a key advisor to the CDF on various matters, especially those concerning service members,” KDF added.
Commander Kenya Army, Lieutenant General David Tarus, Commander Kenya Air Force, Major General Fatumah Ahmed, Commander Kenya Navy, Major General Paul Otieno, Assistant Chief of Defence Forces in charge of Operations, Doctrine, and Training (ACDF OPD&T), Major General Fredrick Leuria, retired DFSMs, senior officers, officers, and service personnel, along with their families, attended the ceremony.
Koranga, who could also play as a striker, is among the many top football stars who have served the nation from KDF units.
Other former Kenyan internationals include Major Joe Birgen, Ambrose ‘Golden Boy’ Ayoyi, Washington Muhanji, Benjamin Nyangweso, Dunstan Nyaudo, Tom Ogweno, Sammy Simiyu, Francis Onyiso, Francis Ochieng, Mulinge Ndeto, Stephen Ocholla, and Stephen Waruru.
Koranga was part of the Harambee Stars squad that featured in the 1992 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals that were hosted in Senegal.
