Orders, Decorations and Medals

A fine Mau Mau troubles B.E.M. awarded to Forest Guard (Grade IV) Kiprotich arap Ndotich, who dropped a brace of Kikuyu gang members with his bow and arrow: ‘He shot the gang leader through the chest killing him on the spot ... and was too much for the remaining members of the gang who ran off taking their wounded man with them’

British Empire Medal, (Civil) E.II.R. (Kiprotich arap Ndotich), in its Royal Mint case of issue, nearly extremely fine £400-500

B.E.M. London Gazette 9 October 1956:

‘Kiprotich arap Ndotich and another Forest Guard were returning from work through South Tinderet Forest when they saw five armed Kikuyu coming towards them. As they passed, the two Forest Guards decided to retrace their steps, follow the gang in order to locate their hideout and report it to the Police, but they were seen by the gang who immediately attacked them. Two of the gang attacked Kiprotich’s companion with swords, felling him to the ground and wounding him seriously about the head and body. When Kiprotich saw his plight he rushed to his help and attacked the gang single handed. Using his bow and arrow he shot the gang leader through the chest killing him on the spot. He then shot another member of the gang through the chest and was too much for the remaining members of the gang who ran off taking their wounded man with them. Forest Guard Kiprotich arap Ndotich acted with courage and determination.’