A young Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) soldier from Sare Village in Moticho Ward is mourning the death of his mother just two days after returning home following the successful completion of military training.
South Mugirango MP and Majority Chief Whip Silvanus Osoro shared the heartbreaking story, saying the KDF soldier, identified as Bernard, had overcome numerous challenges to achieve his dream of joining the military.
From Struggling Student to KDF Recruit
According to Osoro, he first met Bernard when the young man was a Form Three student at Ndonyo High School.
The legislator said he attended the commissioning of a school dormitory during his first term as MP, when Bernard gave a presentation to guests that caught his attention.
Osoro said he later asked the school principal about the student, who told him Bernard had lost his father and that his mother was struggling to pay school fees.
The MP said he stepped in to support the student’s education and ensured he completed secondary school.
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After finishing high school, Bernard joined Osoro’s team while awaiting guidance on his next move.
Osoro said Bernard’s mother often reminded him not to forget her son and urged him to help the young man join the disciplined forces.
When Bernard finally secured an opportunity to join the Recruit Training School (RTS), Osoro said he facilitated preparations for the journey.
He said he shopped for Bernard and other recruits before arranging transport to Eldoret.
According to Osoro, Bernard’s mother shed tears of joy as she prayed for a safe journey for the recruits as they left home to begin their training.
KDF Soldier’s Tragedy After Graduation
Bernard successfully completed military training and graduated alongside other recruits.
Osoro said Bernard’s former principal, Mr Mogoa, who is currently serving at Nyanchwa Boys High School, and Nduru Boys’ principal, Mr Okombo Maobe, represented him at the pass-out ceremony.
The MP said the young KDF soldier returned home after graduation, looking forward to celebrating the achievement with his only surviving parent.
However, tragedy struck just two days after the pass-out ceremony.
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According to Osoro, Bernard’s mother died shortly after her son returned home.
The development turned what had been expected to be a joyous homecoming into a period of mourning for the family.
“Now we are planning for a funeral, not a celebration party,” Osoro said.
He described the soldier as inconsolable following the loss.
Tributes Pour In
Messages of condolence and support flooded social media following the heartbreaking news, with many Kenyans expressing sympathy for Ben and his family while praising South Mugirango MP Silvanus Osoro for helping the young man secure a place in the Kenya Navy.
Many commenters described the incident as painful and difficult to comprehend, noting the cruel timing of a mother’s death just as her son achieved a major milestone in life.
A large number of mourners said the deceased mother had lived long enough to witness the fulfillment of her dream.
Enock Nyandoro likened the moment to the biblical story of Simeon, saying the mother had seen her “promised Messiah” before resting.
“Let the mother rest in Peace and Power. She has witnessed her son’s success. She has finished the race. She has rested. Very painful,” said Mayusi Mayusi, a Facebook user.
Several contributors also commended Osoro for financially and morally supporting the young recruit.
Some mourners reflected on the uncertainties of life, with many saying the tragedy showed how quickly celebrations can turn into grief.
Others urged Ben to remain strong as he begins his service in the Kenya Navy while coping with the loss of his mother.
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