The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) ceremonial gun carriage remains one of the most symbolic pieces of state protocol — a military artifact that represents honor, unity, and national dignity. Reserved exclusively for state funerals of Kenya’s most distinguished leaders, it is a sight that evokes solemn pride and deep respect each time it appears in public. Kenya ceremonial gun carriage
The Tradition and Symbolism Behind the Gun Carriage
The gun carriage was first introduced during the state funeral of Mzee Jomo Kenyatta in 1978, setting a national tradition that would later be used for subsequent state burials. The carriage’s presence is more than ceremonial — it signifies discipline, continuity, and gratitude to those who dedicated their lives to public service.
The 1978 funeral of Kenyan President Jomo Kenyatta heavily adopted British military traditions, notably using a gun carriage flown in from the UK that was previously used in Winston Churchill’s 1965 funeral. This symbolic, borrowed equipment, alongside a heavily tailored service, placed the former political prisoner on equal ceremonial footing with British leadership. Read the full story at Daily Nation.
Built by Ateliers de Construction Mécanique de l’Atlantique (ACMAT), a French subsidiary of Renault Trucks Defence, the carriage is a four-by-four VLRA tactical vehicle designed for heavy-duty military use. In Kenya, however, it serves a more symbolic purpose: transporting the bodies of fallen presidents, military commanders, and senior statesmen with utmost precision and respect.
Painted in military green, the vehicle’s slow, rhythmic movement and flag-draped casket symbolize both mourning and national pride.
Daniel Arap Moi — 2020 State Funeral
During the state funeral of former President Daniel Toroitich Arap Moi in February 2020, the KDF deployed the ACMAT VLRA gun carriage, operated by the 19th Battalion of the Kenya Artillery Unit. The vehicle transported Moi’s flag-covered casket from Lee Funeral Home to Parliament Buildings, where it lay in state for public viewing.
From there, the procession made its way to Nyayo National Stadium for the national memorial service before proceeding to Kabarak for burial. The ceremony featured a 19-gun salute, a full military band, and senior military officers serving as pallbearers — a display of ceremonial precision reflecting Moi’s stature as Kenya’s longest-serving Head of State.
Mwai Kibaki — 2022 State Funeral
In April 2022, the same ACMAT VLRA gun carriage was once again deployed during the state funeral of former President Mwai Kibaki. The vehicle, typically used for reconnaissance and troop transport, was adapted for ceremonial purposes and decorated with Kenya’s national flag.
The gun carriage carried Kibaki’s casket from Lee Funeral Home to Parliament Buildings, where thousands gathered to pay their respects. The funeral procession, led by Brigadier Jeff Nyagah, included a Kenya Army band, outriders, and a guard of honor. The state funeral mirrored Moi’s — complete with full military honors — as Kenya paid its last respects to a leader remembered for his economic reforms and calm leadership.
General Francis Ogolla — 2024 State Funeral
The late Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), General Francis Omondi Ogolla, also received full state honors following his tragic death in a helicopter crash in April 2024. His casket was mounted on the same ceremonial gun carriage, which transported it from the Mashujaa Funeral Home to the Ulinzi Sports Complex in Lang’ata for the national memorial service.
The ceremony, attended by President William Ruto, senior military officers, and international diplomats, included a 19-gun salute, a missing wingman formation by KDF fighter jets, and the playing of “The Last Post” by the military band — all signifying the end of a decorated service career.
From Nairobi, the gun carriage was later used in Siaya County, where Ogolla’s body was moved to Obama K’Ogello Primary School and then to his burial site in Ngi’ya Village, accompanied by soldiers and mourners who lined the streets in silent tribute.
Raila Amolo Odinga — 2025 State Funeral
Following his passing on October 15, 2025, Raila Amolo Odinga, Kenya’s former Prime Minister and a lifelong advocate for democracy, was accorded full military honors — a rare gesture for a civilian leader. Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) from India, his flag-draped casket was placed on the KDF ceremonial gun carriage, escorted by honor guards and a military band.
The carriage transported his body from JKIA to Lee Funeral Home, then to Parliament Buildings, and finally to Nyayo National Stadium for the state funeral. Later, the same vehicle was used for the public viewing sessions at Moi International Stadium, Kasarani, before the body was flown to Kisumu and subsequently Bondo, Siaya County.
Raila’s use of the ACMAT gun carriage placed him in the same distinguished category as Daniel Moi, Mwai Kibaki, and General Ogolla, reflecting the nation’s recognition of his decades-long contribution to Kenya’s democracy, governance, and public service.
A Legacy of Honor and Military Precision
The ACMAT VLRA gun carriage now stands as a national symbol of honor and remembrance — an instrument of the state reserved for Kenya’s most distinguished figures. Whether for presidents, prime ministers, or military chiefs, its slow and deliberate movement serves as a final salute to those whose service left a permanent mark on the nation’s history.
Each time the gun carriage rolls through the streets of Nairobi, draped in the national colors and surrounded by soldiers in formation, it reminds Kenyans of their shared identity — a country that, despite its divisions, comes together in unity to honor its heroes.
Jomo Kenyatta’s 1978 State Funeral and Kenya’s Gun Carriage Tradition
Kenya’s first president, Mzee Jomo Kenyatta, received a state funeral with full military honors on August 31, 1978, setting the blueprint for all future national funerals. His casket was carried on a military gun carriage, marking the first time the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) conducted such a ceremony.
The British government supplied the gun carriage and blank ammunition for the 21-gun salute. A team of five British military and civil service advisors trained the Kenyan military on ceremonial protocol, helping to establish Kenya’s first state funeral structure.
At the time, Lt. Col. Daniel Opande and Gen. Jackson Mulinge led Kenya’s preparations. With no prior experience, Opande obtained Royal British Army guidelines through Maj. Joel Mumbo in London, which became the foundation for Kenya’s state funeral manual.
During the procession, a tri-service bearer party from the Army, Navy, and Air Force manually pulled the flag-draped gun carriage from State House to Parliament Buildings, where Kenyatta was laid to rest. Thousands of citizens lined the streets as the military led the solemn march.
The funeral was attended by global leaders, including Ugandan President Idi Amin, whose unannounced arrival caused a security stir. A 21-gun salute and the playing of “The Last Post” marked the end of the ceremony.
Afterward, Opande and Lt. Col. Kipsaita drafted Kenya’s official state funeral protocol, still used today. The gun carriage tradition introduced in 1978 has since honored Daniel arap Moi (2020), Mwai Kibaki (2022), General Francis Ogolla (2024), and Raila Odinga (2025) — a lasting legacy of respect, precision, and national unity. Kenya ceremonial gun carriage
