Honoring the Legacy of Italian Soldiers Who Lost Their Lives in East Africa: A Tribute in Kenya
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Roberto Natali, the Italian Ambassador to Kenya, graced a solemn event dedicated to the memory of fallen countrymen at the Italian shrine in Nyeri.
This poignant ceremony saw the presence of Nyeri County Governor Mutahi Kahiga, along with a sizable gathering of compatriots, members of Comites, and representatives from Italian missionary groups active in the region.
The event also featured Carabinieri clad in historic uniforms, in alignment with National Unity and Armed Forces Day. From 1941 to 1946, over 700 Italians tragically lost their lives in 15 detention camps scattered across Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. Among the deceased was Amedeo di Savoia, Duke of Aosta, who served as their commander before their deportation from Ethiopia. Their names are forever etched within the church gifted to the Italian State by the Consolata missionaries.
In his address, Natali articulated the dual importance of remembrance as both an obligation and a cautionary tale in our current climate riddled with conflict. He reflected on the troubling trajectory of how prisoners have been treated throughout history—from ancient times through the Treaty of Westphalia in 1648, and up to the Third Geneva Convention of 1949. This pivotal agreement offered provisions for the repatriation or relocation of prisoners to neutral nations—benefits denied to the Italians confined in British camps.
Returning to the theme of remembrance, the ambassador highlighted Aldo Manos, a recently departed scholar who unveiled significant aspects of the obscured saga of his fellow Italians who perished in Kenya, through his writings and an informative website. “His invaluable contributions must endure; we will strive to enhance and expand upon his legacy. To this end, we invited family members and descendants of the victims to this observance,” Natali noted, extending special recognition to Manos’ widow and son.
Finally, Governor Kahiga underscored the enduring ties that connect Nyeri to Italy, tracing these roots back to the work of the Consolata missionaries, who have established numerous churches in addition to the shrine. He also highlighted contributions to education, having launched both primary and secondary schools, as well as health initiatives forged through vital public-private partnerships. “This bond is significant, and we cherish it deeply,” Kahiga affirmed.
Edited by: Ali Musa
alimusa@axadletimes.com
Axadle international–Monitoring
