General Opande Honoured Abroad with One of the Most Prestigious Awards

Retired Lieutenant General Daniel Opande, former Vice Chief of General Staff of the Kenya Defence Forces, has received international recognition for helping restore peace in Sierra Leone.

During the Sierra Leone Armed Forces Day and Investiture Ceremony held on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, General Opande was conferred the prestigious Grand Commander of the Order of the Rokel by the President of Sierra Leone.

The Retired General was given the award in recognition of his sacrifice, contribution, and outstanding service, together with other Kenyan soldiers, towards the restoration of peace and stability in the Republic of Sierra Leone.

General Opande Conferred with Grand Commander of the Order of the Rokel

In particular, General Opande was feted for his successful leadership in the disarmament of rebel forces, where he also played a pivotal role in bringing the civil war to an end, which had lasted in the country for nearly 11 years, and restoring lasting peace in the country.

During his remarks, Lt Gen (Rtd) Opande honoured the award on behalf of all Kenyan troops participating in worldwide peace support missions.

Lt Gen (Rtd) Opande is recognised as a key contributor to Sierra Leone’s path to peace. From November 2000 to 2003, he served as Force Commander of the United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL), overseeing one of the UN’s most challenging peacekeeping operations and playing a pivotal role in restoring stability and supporting the country’s recovery.

Besides overseeing the peacekeeping mission in Sierra Leone, he also commanded operations in Namibia, Mozambique, and Liberia.

Also Read: Today in History: How General Opande Missed the Chance to Become Kenya’s Chief of Defence Forces

The event commemorates the anniversary of the official end of the Sierra Leone Civil War in 2002 and honours the sacrifices of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF), including those who served in the World Wars, the decade-long civil war of the 1990s, and current international peacekeeping missions.

The occasion is marked by parades and ceremonies conducted under the supervision of the President, who serves as Commander-in-Chief.

About the Retired General

Retired General Daniel Opande is one of Kenya’s most respected military officers, renowned not only in Kenya but beyond the African continent for his tireless work in peacekeeping.

Unlike many military leaders, Opande is celebrated for his ability to resolve conflicts through diplomacy rather than force.

His exceptional record led the United Nations to call on him repeatedly to restore stability in areas experiencing unrest.

Also Read: Inside the KDF Meeting With the Indian Army

At one particular time, he came close to becoming Kenya’s Chief of General Staff (today called Chief of Defence Forces). On May 1, 1998, he was appointed Vice Chief of General Staff (VCGS), the second-highest military post in the country, and served as the senior adviser to General Daudi Tonje, then Chief of General Staff.

Despite his qualifications, Opande’s path to the top was redirected when the United Nations requested his service as Force Commander of UNAMSIL in Sierra Leone in 2000.

UN Secretary-General at the time, Kofi Annan, personally contacted him for the appointment, citing his extensive peacekeeping experience in Namibia, Mozambique, and Liberia. While honoured by the request, Opande had to wait for Kenya’s approval for the secondment.

General Tonje, who was preparing to retire, had intended to recommend Opande as his successor. However, the timing of the UN appointment and government decisions ultimately meant he never assumed the role of Chief of General Staff.

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Photo of Retired General Daniel Opande and former UN Secretary General Kofi Anan. PHOTO/Courtesy