On August 1, 1982 a section of Kenya Airforce soldiers attempted to overthrow the government of retired Mzee Daniel Toroitich Arap Moi.
The commander in chief of the armed forces had to swing into action to ensure he remains in power when he realised all was not well.
Moi, who turned 95 on Monday, will forever remain grateful to allies for ensuring he remains at the top of the game even when things became tough on his side.
The New York Times records that, Maj. Gen. Joseph Mulinge, the army commander, Gen. A. Sawe, and Ben Gethii, the Police Commissioner played a pivotal role in thwarting the plan to overthrow the government.
On that fateful day, Moi had to ask Kenyans not to panic but not to support the rebels as he sought to remain in power. In his address, Mr Moi told Kenyans ''please stay indoors for your own safety.'' ''Stay in your homes until this trouble is over,' he said. ''I will make a later report.'
When the coup was thwarted, Moi could not help but thank the three for the way they handled the situation until it reverted to normalcy.
“Mr Moi thanked those who he said had helped him put down the rebellion, including the commander of the armed forces, Maj. Gen. Josepho Mulinge, the army commander, Gen. A. Sawe, and Ben Gethii, the Police Commissioner,” writes New York Times.