Top soldier killed in El Adde attack laid to rest

A Kenya Defence Forces commander who was killed by Al-Shabaab terrorists in El Adde, Somalia, in January has been laid to rest in Kisii County.

President Uhuru Kenyatta eulogised Major Geoffrey Obwoge as “a loyal and dedicated officer”.

In a condolence message read on his behalf by the officer in charge of the Western Command, Major-General Walter Koipatu, the President said the country had lost a capable officer.

“I learnt of the untimely demise of Major Obwoge with deep sorrow,” the President said in the statement.

He paid tribute to Maj Obwoge as “a dedicated and loyal officer whose attributes led to his quick rise through the military to the rank of major”.

President Kenyatta, who is also the Commander-in-Chief, said the officer who fell in battle was “a hero who paid the ultimate price for his country with his life”.

High-ranking military officers also praised Maj Obwoge as a brave and disciplined soldier.

“Major Obwoge could have chosen to surrender or escape to save his life during the attack but he chose to fight for his country,” said Lieutenant-Colonel Michael Koech. “This selfless, patriotic action cost him his life.”

Lt-Col Joseph Oyunge spoke of how Maj Obwoge rose through the ranks in a relatively short time.

ODM MP OPPOSES RAILA

Bomachoge Chache MP Simon Ogari opposed the stand taken by Cord alliance leader Raila Odinga and his ODM party who has called for the withdrawal of Kenyan troops from Somalia.

“I have to disagree with my party leader on the issue,” said Mr Ogari. “My view is that the best form of defence is attack. “We must be bold enough to take the war to enemy territory.”

The slain soldier’s widow, Mrs Rhoda Manyange, was so overcome with grief she could not read her statement, delegating the task to her sister.

“We had grown to love and care for him deeply,” she said of her late husband. “He was not only the commander of our life but also of my hopes and dreams.”

A statement read on behalf of Chief of Defence Forces General Samson Mwathethe said Kenya Defence Forces would ensure the same financial comfort for the family for at least five years.

“We will not allow the officer’s family to starve or the children to drop out of school,” said Gen Mwathethe.

Maj Obwoge was the camp commander of the Amisom contingent at Al Adde when Al-Shabaab terrorists attacked it on January 15.

Scores of soldiers were killed in the attack.

A holder of two university degrees, he won accolades for his bravery and distinguished service, among them the Bravery Medal.