Ceremonial gun carriage: How KDF upholds State funeral tradition
First introduced in 1978 during the state funeral of Kenya’s founding President Jomo Kenyatta, the tradition has since become a permanent part of Kenya’s state funeral protocol.
The military gun carriage, one of the most symbolic elements in Kenya’s state funerals, stands as a mark of discipline, unity, and deep respect for national leaders.
This ceremonial equipment, belonging to the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), is reserved for honouring former Heads of State and distinguished public figures whose service has left a lasting national impact.
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First introduced in 1978 during the state funeral of Kenya’s founding President Jomo Kenyatta, the tradition has since become a permanent part of Kenya’s state funeral protocol. It represents not only military precision but also the country’s collective reverence for its leaders.
On Friday, October 18, the ACMAT VLRA gun carriage once again made its solemn appearance as it towed the coffin carrying former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s body from Parliament Buildings, where it had lain in state, to Nyayo National Stadium for the official state funeral.
Moving at a deliberate, slow pace, the green military carriage, its sides glinting in the sun, pulled the flag-draped casket with unmatched precision.
The military gun carriage bearing the remains of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga arrives at the Nyayo National Stadium on October 17, 2025. (Photo: Justine Ondieki)
The sight of uniformed officers aboard the special vehicle evoked both pride and sorrow, a reflection of Odinga’s towering influence in Kenya’s public life and governance.
The ACMAT VLRA is a four-wheel-drive military vehicle originally designed to haul artillery. It is manufactured by Ateliers de Construction Mécanique de l’Atlantique, a French subsidiary of Renault Trucks Defence.
However, in Kenya, it has been repurposed into a ceremonial gun carriage for paying last respects to the nation’s leaders and soldiers.
So far, the iconic vehicle has been used in the funerals of three other prominent figures: former Presidents Daniel arap Moi and Mwai Kibaki, and former Chief of Defence Forces Francis Ogolla in 2024.
Daniel Moi: The 19th Battalion gun carriage
During the February 2020 state funeral of former President Daniel arap Moi, the ACMAT VLRA - operated by the 19th Battalion of the Kenya Artillery - carried his flag-draped coffin from Lee Funeral Home to Parliament Buildings for public viewing.
The slow and solemn procession later advanced to Nyayo Stadium for a national memorial, then to Kabarak for the final burial ceremony.
The body of Raila Odinga, escorted by military officers, arrives at Nyayo Stadium. (Photo: Justine Ondieki)
The farewell was marked by a 19-gun salute, a full military band, and senior KDF officers serving as pallbearers, underscoring Moi’s distinguished service and national stature.
Mwai Kibaki: Replica of Moi’s procession
Two years later, in April 2022, the same French-made carriage was deployed again to honour former President Mwai Kibaki.
The four-by-four multipurpose vehicle, designed for reconnaissance and escort duties, was transformed into a ceremonial hearse. It carried Kibaki’s casket from Lee Funeral Home to Parliament Buildings, flanked by a Kenya Army band, outriders, and a guard of honour.
The procession was led by Brigadier Jeff Nyagah, then commander of the ninth KDF contingent in Somalia.
Though originally intended for combat, the vehicle has never seen battle in Kenya - it is reserved exclusively for ceremonial use during state funerals and national parades.
Raila Odinga: Upholding the State tradition
In October 2025, Odinga received the same honour. Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, his coffin, draped in the Kenyan flag, was placed on the KDF ceremonial gun carriage.
The military gun carriage carrying the remains of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga arrives at the Nyayo Stadium on October 18, 2025. (Photo: PCS)
Escorted by a military band and a ceremonial guard, the carriage transported the body to Lee Funeral Home before proceeding to Moi International Stadium, Kasarani, for public viewing.
Every aspect of the ceremony, from the security coordination to the solemn movements of the military escorts, reflected the weight of Odinga’s contribution to Kenya’s democratic journey.
The use of the gun carriage once more affirmed Kenya’s deep respect for those who shaped its history.
Beyond the steel and wheels, it remains a powerful national symbol; one that captures the dignity, unity, and continuity of a grateful nation.
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