Kenya Commemorates Fallen Italian Soldiers in Nyeri Ceremony

Nairobi: Italy’s designated ambassador to Kenya, Vicenzo Del Monaco, attended a solemn ceremony in Nyeri, north of Nairobi, to honor Italian soldiers who fell in East Africa. The event took place at the Italian military shrine and was part of the observance of National Unity and Armed Forces Day. Deputy County Governor Kinaniri Waroe, along with Captain Antonino Mazzocca and Carabinieri in full uniform, also attended the ceremony.

According to Ansa News Agency, the event was marked by a Mass celebrated by the Archbishop of Nyeri, Antony Muheria, in memory of 676 Italian soldiers who died in captivity between 1941 and 1946. These soldiers were held in 15 camps across Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. Their remains, along with that of their commander Amedeo di Savoia, Duke of Aosta, are preserved in the Nyeri shrine.

Ambassador Del Monaco, who arrived in Kenya less than three weeks prior, read a message from Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto. The message emphasized the solidarity and shared humanity that transcended language and faith barriers. The ambassador highlighted the significance of remembering these soldiers as a reaffirmation of memory and a call for peace. The ceremony concluded with a luncheon hosted by Comites Kenya at the Consolata Mission, which is home to the military shrine.