At a crucial juncture in Kenyan history, Lieutenant General (Rtd) John Sawe, former Kenya Army Commander, stood as a steadfast ally of the country’s second president, Daniel Arap Moi.

During the attempted coup of 1982, when Kenya Air Force junior officers made a bid to overthrow the government, it was Lt. General Sawe’s loyalty and quick action that helped secure Moi’s presidency.

The coup attempt was swiftly neutralized within hours, as the Kenya Army, led by Lt. General Sawe, successfully quelled the mutiny.

At the time, Sawe not only served as the Army Commander but also held the position of Deputy Chief of General Staff, solidifying his critical role in defending Moi’s administration during one of its most perilous moments.

A seasoned military leader, Lt. General Sawe was born in 1939 and joined the military under the British colonial government.

As Kenya transitioned to independence, his career progressed rapidly. Rising through the ranks, he eventually became Kenya Army Commander, a position he held for just over a year before retiring from the military.

Following his military service, Sawe transitioned to diplomacy, becoming Kenya’s first-ever ambassador to Israel. He later served as High Commissioner to Canada, representing Kenya on the global stage with the same dedication he had shown in his military career.

In 2018, Lt. General Sawe passed away at the age of 79 after a brief illness. His passing was marked by President Uhuru Kenyatta, who paid tribute to him as a patriot who had served Kenya with unwavering commitment and integrity.

https://www.kenyans.co.ke/news/39618-story-four-brave-soldiers-who-saved-mois-regime