NAIROBI, KENYA – In a poignant ceremony coinciding with the State of the Nation address on Thursday, November 20, 2025, the Parliament of Kenya formally recognised the retirement of Chief Sergeant-at-Arms Aloisio Nterepu Lekulo, OGW. After nearly two decades of service to the legislature, Mr. Lekulo performed his final duty as Mace Bearer, marking the end of a distinguished career in public service. He is set to officially retire on Monday, November 24, 2025.

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula led the House in paying tribute to Mr. Lekulo, highlighting his transformative leadership since joining the Parliamentary Service Commission in 2006. “This special mention of this gallant son of Kenya is for the reason that he comes from the smallest community in our nation, the Elmolo,” Speaker Wetang'ula announced to the chamber, drawing attention to Mr. Lekulo's unique heritage.

A Career of Service and Reform

Mr. Lekulo's journey in public service began not in the corridors of power, but in the classroom. He served as a teacher at Garbatullah High School for four years from 1992, where he was remembered as an inspiration to young students in a region beset by insecurity. He later transitioned to the Provincial Administration, serving as a District Officer in Isiolo, Trans-Nzoia, and Laikipia between 1996 and 2006.

In 2006, Mr. Lekulo was competitively recruited into the parliamentary service as a Senior Sergeant-at-Arms, rising through the ranks to become the Chief Sergeant-at-Arms and a Director. His tenure has been widely credited with the significant professionalisation and modernisation of the Sergeant-at-Arms department. Speaker Wetang'ula noted that under Mr. Lekulo's leadership, the unit was transformed into a full Directorate, driving key reforms in security, protocol, and estate management.

Key achievements during his leadership include the implementation of specialised training programs for parliamentary staff in VIP handling and security, and enhancing event management capabilities. Furthermore, Mr. Lekulo was instrumental in benchmarking the Kenyan Parliament's security and protocol services against global best practices by registering officers with international bodies such as the Commonwealth Serjeant-at-Arms Association and the National Legislative Society of Serjeant-at-Arms Association-America (NLSSA). He also served as a member of the National Assembly Board of Management, contributing to the institution's administrative policies.

The Guardian of the Mace

The role of the Sergeant-at-Arms is deeply rooted in parliamentary tradition, serving as the guardian of the mace—the symbol of the Speaker's authority and the House itself. The office is responsible for maintaining order and decorum, enforcing the Speaker's rules, and ensuring the security of the parliamentary precincts, its members, and staff. This involves a blend of ceremonial duties and critical security functions, a responsibility that has grown in complexity with contemporary threats like terrorism.

Historically, the role has evolved from a presidential appointee, often from the intelligence services, to a competitively recruited position requiring extensive experience in security and management. Mr. Lekulo's leadership epitomised this modern, professional approach, ensuring the smooth and safe functioning of the legislature during a dynamic period in Kenyan politics.

A Son of the Elmolo

Speaker Wetang'ula's special mention of Mr. Lekulo's heritage underscores a remarkable personal achievement. The Elmolo are one of Kenya's smallest and most marginalised ethnic groups, with a population estimated to be only a few hundred, primarily residing on the shores of Lake Turkana. Historically, they have faced significant challenges, including cultural assimilation and economic hardship. Mr. Lekulo's rise to a high-ranking public office is a significant milestone and a source of pride for his community.

As Mr. Lekulo concludes his final march, the Parliament of Kenya honours a career defined by dedication, integrity, and transformative leadership. In his farewell remarks, Speaker Wetang'ula expressed the gratitude of the institution: “The National Assembly, the Parliamentary Service Commission, and the Office of the Speaker appreciate his contribution to strengthening institutional capacity and wish him well.” The process for the appointment of his successor has not yet been publicly announced. FURTHER INVESTIGATION REQUIRED.