KDF soldier buried in Meru

Mr Daniel Rukunga, a family representative of the fallen KDF soldier Corporal David Muthuri. Corporal Muthuri was one of the soldiers who were killed by Al-Shabaab in an attack at El-Adde military base in Somalia.

One of the Kenya Defence Force officers who were killed by Al-Shabaab at El-Adde military base was Thursday laid to rest at his home at Karachi Village in Meru County.

Corporal David Muthuri, 32, had served in the Kenya Army for 12 years and had been deployed to Somalia twice.

He was attached to the 9th battalion in Eldoret before going to Somalia.

According to Colonel Paul Mwasi who spoke on behalf of the KDF said that the fallen soldier died as result of being courageous, industrious and honest to the force.

 “I came at his burial as his service mate and a personal friend. Corporal Muthuri had just been deployed in Somalia for the second time, but few weeks after the rotation was done the military base was attacked.”

“We thank the family members for being patient as we waited for body identification as the DNA test was conducted, we pass our condolences to the family members,” said Colonel Mwasi.

He, however, asked Kenyans to support the forces deployed and fighting in Somalia.

“As the KDF, we will ensure that our country is secure, we will not be cowed by the enemy,” he said. 

Mr Daniel Rukunga, a family representative said that the wish of the family was to get news that their son was alive after the January 15 attack.

“He was frequently communicating with the family. Last month, he called his wife and informed us he was doing well. We are saddened by the news we received from media about the attack because we knew he was deployed there.

“When his phone went unanswered for long time, we definitely panicked,” Mr Rukunga said. 

Corporal Muthuri, who joined the Kenya army in 2003, has left behind a widow, Eunice Kagwiria, and four children.

Meanwhile, two other officers who died in Somalia will be buried on Friday and Saturday in Maua, Igembe south.