Kenya’s President William Ruto graced the International Women’s Day 2023 held, at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre (KICC).
The day which is normally marked on March 8, offers an opportunity to reflect on progress made and celebrate acts of courage and determination by women who have played an extraordinary role in the history of their countries and communities.
Being an all-women affair, the Head of State made changes to his security details to also celebrate the event.
The President dropped his Aide-de-camp (ADC) Colonel Fabian Lengusuranga and instead went with his deputy Lieutenant Colonel Damaris Agnetta.
Agnetta who succeeded Lieutenant Colonel Rachael Nduta was appointed in September 2022 from the Kenya Army.
Prior to her appointment, Agnetta had been serving as an artillery officer in the Kenya Army.
Agnetta joined the army in 2003 where she was conferred the rank of Second-Lieutenant, which is the first rank given to officers within two years after graduating from the Kenya Military Academy (KMA).
As an artillery officer, she coordinated and executed indirect fire support, ground-based air defense, surveillance, and target acquisition and provided tactical advice as part of the combat arms team.
Contrary to the notion that ADC is a bodyguard to the president they have other roles under their belt.
An ADC is a highly trained military officer who shadows the Commander in Chief during official functions.
For instance, in her roles, Agnetta acts as the principal military officer serving the President who is the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.
She is also mandated with managing the President’s diary and liaising with the rest of his security team.
