Musa arap Seurei and the Plaque of Honours in Tambach

By Hillary Kosgey Arap Masut, from An Anthology of Memoirs

First shared in The Wonders of Sergoit Hills Facebook group on 12 April 2026.

The end of the Second World War marked a turning point for many young men from Elgeyo Marakwet who had been enlisted between 1939 and 1945. While some never returned home, those who did came back to rebuild their lives with renewed purpose.

Many sought employment, while others turned to farming. It is widely believed that these returning soldiers developed an interest in commercial agriculture and later became part of the early implementers of the Swynnerton Plan.

Among them was a young man named Musa Kiprop arap Seurei from Kapterik village. A document dated 1st October 1946 captures a moment in his life after the war. Having survived the conflict, Musa returned home safely and sought employment as a dresser at the Tambach Local Native Hospital, now known as Tambach Sub County Hospital.

His service number was M9269, and during the war he worked as a military dresser at what was recorded as “3 Company Medical Dispensary Centre,” believed to have been located around present day Gilgil. His handwritten application letter was formally addressed through the District Commissioner’s office on Tuesday, 1st October 1946.

Through interviews with elders, including Mzee Vincent and Mzee Kapkire of Kapterik, it has been confirmed that Musa arap Seurei was indeed a real figure. Mzee Kapkire recalls seeing him in his youth. It is also affirmed that Musa’s family once lived below the present day Tambach Teachers Training College, and that his descendants still exist today.

The central purpose of this reflection, however, is to highlight a powerful memorial. At the Tambach Museum stands a steel plaque honouring the men from Elgeyo and Marakwet who fought and died in the Second World War. The plaque bears 26 names of those who never returned home.

The Names on the Plaque

Left column: Sgt. Suter A. Kipsut (E.A.A); Sgt. Cherono Kipkosom (K.A.R); Sgt. Kiplagat J. Chuma (K.A.R); Sgt. Cheyane Kiprop (K.A.R); Sgt. C.C. Cheserek (E.A.A); Sgt. Sigei Aino (E.A.A); Sgt. Kipkuu (K.A.R); Pte. Nyony a Kibon (K.A.R); Pte. Kimeto (K.A.R); Pte. Kite (K.A.R); Pte. Kipkwony (K.A.R); Pte. Suter A. Chebet (K.A.R); Pte. Chebet Terewi (K.A.R).

Right column: Pte. Cheptorus A. Kisang (K.A.R); Pte. Kiptuya A. Kipsigei (K.A.R); Pte. Kibiego A. Kiptugen (K.A.R); Pte. Chepkireng A. Kiprono (E.A.A); Pte. Kiptingos A. Yano (K.A.R); Pte. Kwamoi A. Lemek (K.A.R); Pte. Kandie A. Sitienei (Recce); Pte. Chelimo A. Sirikwa (E.A.A.S.C); Pte. Kipsore A. Sowe (E.A.A.M.C); Pte. Chesang A. Oto (K.A.R); Pte. Kipkoilel A. Kigei (E.A.A.S.C); Rec. Kisang A. Chepkonga (I.T.C); Sgt. Kiplagat A. Kiptisia (K.A.R).

Some of the names may resemble those from neighbouring communities such as the Nandi or Tugen, reflecting the shared history of the region. Across Kenya, many such men from different communities never made it back, but this particular memorial speaks specifically to Elgeyo Marakwet.

Today, many people in their 80s and 90s still remember these men as great grandfathers, great uncles, and great great uncles. Standing before the plaque and touching its surface evokes a deep sense of connection, as though reaching across time to honour their sacrifice.

They served in the ranks of privates and sergeants. They gave their lives far from home. You rest in honour, great men of Elgeyo Marakwet.

First shared in The Wonders of Sergoit Hills Facebook group on 12 April 2026.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The History of the Reformed Church of East Africa (RCEA) and Its Ties with the South African Dutch Reformed Church (DRC)

From the history of the Reformed Church of East Africa In the early 1900s, some people from the Boer republics in South Africa moved to Eastern Africa after the Anglo-Boer War. They didn't want to live under British rule, so they settled in Kenya. These migrant farmers were part of the Reformed Churches in South Africa. They formed their own congregation called Vergenoeg in Eldoret, Kenya. The land there was fertile and perfect for farming. At that time, Kenya was still a German colony called German East Africa, but it would soon become a British colony after World War I.  Rev. M. P. Loubser became the first minister of the congregation. He, along with other farmers, established a ministry among the farmworkers. In 1944, the congregation decided to call its first full-time missionary. Rev. Loubser had left money in his will specifically for mission work, which made this possible. They bought a school building called Broederstroom, which is now known as Plateau, to be used as a miss...
Read more

Ken-Knit (Kenya) Ltd.

Image
By William Kiptoo Ken-Knit (Kenya) Ltd. is a textile manufacturing company located in Eldoret, Kenya. It was founded in 1966 by three brothers - Gulabchand Shah, Somchand Shah, and Keshavlal Shah. With an initial capital of Sh50,000, the company started small with just one knitting machine producing hand-knitting yarn. However, over time, they expanded into spinning, blankets, knitwear, and other products. Initially focusing on hand-knitting yarn, Ken-Knit soon diversified into spinning units, blanket departments, and knitwear. They have grown into a major textile manufacturer in East Africa, known for their quality knitwear. In the late 1970s, they introduced a Composite spinning and dyeing plant for various types of yarn. Ken-Knit has kept up with modern technology, investing in machinery to ensure top quality and durability in their products. Ken-Knit offers a wide range of products, including sweaters, blankets, Maasai shukas, pillows, and kikois. They are also a leading manufactur...
Read more

Eldoret Town Estates

(Adopted from The Standard, Jan, 26, 2022) Eldoret town in Uasin Gishu is a rapidly growing urban center with a population of nearly half a million according to the 2019 national census. It is the sixth most populated town in Kenya after Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, and Ruiru. Eldoret is known for having some of the oldest estates, established as people migrated to urban areas in search of jobs starting in the 1960s. These estates have unique names based on the social status and race of the residents. Some estates existed even before independence, with Africans living in estates like Kidiwa, Macharia, Kilimani, Majengo, and Kapsuswo near the Kipchoge Keino Stadium. Somalis lived in Kampi Somali, Indians in Eldoret West, and whites in Elgon View and Kapsoya estates. Elgon View estate was associated with affluent individuals such as politicians, athletes, civil servants, and businessmen. The estate was home to whites, government officials, and colonial administrators. After independ...
Read more