The untold story of courage, horror and betrayal in defence of our country

Alshabaab attack in El Adde. (Photo: Courtesy)

Mark (not his real name) spoke to his girlfriend at about 2.47am on Friday, January 15, 2015, before sliding back into his sleeping bag and falling dead asleep. With him in the trenches was a corporal who kept guard as he slept. They expected to swap roles later. But it never came to pass. Barely an hour later, a huge blast set off what would be the worst military loss for Kenya since independence.

Mark’s colleague was among the first to react to the blast. He raised his head to respond to the enemy. Before he could fire his first shot, an enemy bullet lodged into his chest, killing him instantly. As blood gushed out of his colleague’s lifeless body, Mark stepped out of his sleeping bag, concurrently taking aim. He brought down two enemies before jumping over the wire fence to make a miraculous escape.