Kenyan-born US Navy officer dies in California

Kenyan-born US Navy officer, the late Ms Brendah Masinde. Ms Masinde joined the US naval warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces in 2011 and served in various duty stations until her death on February 16, 2016. PHOTO | COURTESY

What you need to know:

  • The 36-year-old Navy officer, Ms Brendah Masinde, succumbed to an undisclosed illness last Tuesday.

  • “She was an amiable person and will forever remain in our hearts,” said Wanza Mavuti, a close friend of the Masinde family.

  • A statement released by the family Friday said Ms Masinde would be buried in California.

A Kenyan woman who has been serving in the United States Navy for six years has died in California.

The 36-year-old Navy officer, Ms Brendah Masinde, succumbed to an undisclosed illness last Tuesday.

Ms Masinde joined the US naval warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces, one of the seven uniformed services of the US, in 2011 and served in various duty stations until her death on February 16.

Speaking to Nation, Ms Masinde’s mother said the death was a blow to the family and the entire Kenyan community on the West Coast region.

“But we are strong in the Lord,” said Ms Janet Masinde, who is a California-based Church minister.

“She was an amiable person and will forever remain in our hearts,” said Wanza Mavuti, a close friend of the Masinde family.

A statement released by the family Friday said Ms Masinde would be buried in California and the funeral committee was working on modalities to have family members travel from Kenya for the burial ceremony slated for next week.

“The casket and the general cost for the funeral have been taken care of by the Navy but we still need to raise funds to bring some of her close family members to the US and give her the send-off she deserves,” read the statement.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, February 28, 2016 at Four Corners Chapel 125 W Ash St., Brea CA 92821 starting at 4:00 PM Pacific time.