Gilgil residents hold procession for slain troops
Defence Cabinet Secretary Rachel Omamo assists an injured soldier at the Wilson Airport in Nairobi on January 17, 2016. PHOTO | EVANS HABIL | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
Christians and Muslims converged on the town centre at 8pm on Saturday and lit candles.
Event organiser and local youth leader Kenneth Mbaria said the night vigil was in support of the soldiers slain in Somalia.
More than 300 residents of Gilgil held a mourning procession on the town’s streets following the killing of KDF soldiers in Somalia on Friday.
Tears flowed freely during the solemn march that brought together families, relatives and friends of soldiers.
Christians and Muslims converged on the town centre at 8pm on Saturday and lit candles.
Event organiser and local youth leader Kenneth Mbaria said the night vigil was in support of the soldiers slain in Somalia.
“We stand united as Kenyans. It a great loss to the country and we eulogise our gallant soldiers,” Mr Mbaria said.
The several hours of marching on Sunday were punctuated with patriotic songs and prayers by Muslims and Christians.
“Our resolve to win the war against Al-Shabaab militants will never be broken despite the many challenges. Today we stand united,” Mr Mbaria added.
Nominated Senator Martha Wangari was among the residents who eulogised the soldiers.
Some of the troops killed are believed to have hailed from the KDF base in Gilgil. The call for the lighting of candles was started on social media by Gilgil residents.
