Why is it called a 19-gun salute?

Former President Daniel Moi will be accorded a 19-gun salute in a series of elaborate military ceremonies leading to his burial on Wednesday.

Mzee Moi died on Tuesday aged 95.

A 19-gun salute is done in honour of dignitaries such as vice presidents, Senate and National Assembly speakers, chief justices, state governors, chiefs of staff and five-star generals in the US.

Even though real guns are involved, a military funeral and other honour guards do not fire live artillery shells but blanks.

A source familiar with the details but who would rather remain anonymous, says the interval between the booms is to allow for reloading.

He adds that blanks are used as safety precaution.

Members of a firing party do not take aim. Taking aim is called “shooting”, firing party members “fire”.

The All About the Firing Party site states that the firing party is 50-75 paces from the head of the casket in full view of the family.

In the event of an indoor memorial service, the firing party would be directly outside but be positioned close enough for the family to see.

The Independent Tribune explains the difference between a 21-gun salute and a three-volley salute thus, "The three-volley salute is a ceremonial act performed at military funerals and sometimes also for police. 

"For funerals of presidents, a 21-gun salute using artillery and battery pieces is fired (not to be confused with a three-volley salute), while all other high state officials receive 19-gun salutes and 17-, etc.  On occasion police use their service weapon, or shotguns."

The seven members of the legion are picked from a different branch of the military, dressed in their uniform, each firing three rounds.

According to the US Army Centre of Military History, the gun salute system can be traced back to naval traditions where rounds were fired from cannons.

The number of rounds has changed over the years, with only odd number salutes remaining.

Odd numbers were also chosen as even numbers were said to indicate death.

There are 13, 15 and 21 gun salutes which are all determined by the rank or social standing of the person being honoured.

In British tradition, other than the 21-gun salute, there is the 31 special salute meant for the queen-empress and members of the Royal Family.

In the colonial era, the 31-gun salute was also meant for the Viceroy and Governor-General of India, and 101 for The King-Emperor of India.

The 31-gun salute is also referred to as the Royal Salute, while the 101-Gun Salute is also called the Imperial Salute.

A 21-gun salute is reserved for the highest offices, like the President or President-elect in the US. The number of rounds fired then decreases for officers in different ranks.

Military honours are essentially meant to highlight the respect held for the fallen leader.

In the case of naval fleets, the officers would discharge seven rounds in remembrance. However, their on-land counterparts shot three times to make the total 21.

The gun salute might have originated in the 17th Century with the maritime practice of demanding that a defeated enemy expend its ammunition and render itself helpless until reloaded, reports the Irish Defence Forces.

Moi’s funeral will be the second one to have full military honours in Kenya.

The only other person to have been treated with similar honours was President Jomo Kenyatta when he died in office in 1978.

Five other people have received State funerals, but without military honours. They include former Vice President Wamalwa Kijana, Nobel Peace Laureate Wangari Maathai, former Nyeri Governor Wahome Gakuru and former First Lady Lucy Kibaki.

Since Moi did not die in office like Kenyatta, he will get a 19-gun salute.

If Mzee Moi were to be buried in military uniform for his role as Commander-in-Chief during his 24-year rule, he would have had the 21-gun salute.

The casket will be draped in the national flag on a stately carriage to be pulled by the military platoon. Pallbearers will be 36 soldiers in the ceremonial uniform of the rank of Major and above.