Tears flowed freely yesterday during the burial of an officer killed in the Al Shabaab attack in Somalia last month.
Hundreds of residents, representatives from Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) and political leaders thronged the home of Wilson Kiprop Kurui in Kabarak village.
Sergeant Kurui was among dozens of KDF officers killed by the terror group on January 15 at El Adde camp after the militia overran their camp.
Speaking during the burial, Baringo Senator Gideon Moi said it was time the Government thought of an elaborate plan to exit Somalia.
“I strongly support what our military officers are doing in Somalia. As a country, we must deal with terrorists strongly but we cannot stay in Somalia forever. Time will come to allow the leadership of Somalia to deal with their issues as a country,” said Gideon.
While conveying Former President Daniel arap Moi’s message of condolence, Gideon urged the Government to confront terrorists still roaming in parts of Kenya.
Still missing
“The Government must deal with terrorism decisively and firmly. Those roaming on our soil must not do so,” he said. And as Kurui’s remains were being interred, the whereabouts of his cousin also a KDF soldier, Samson Kiprotich, remain a mystery. He is among several soldiers yet to be accounted for. Gideon said about four other KDF soldiers from Baringo were still missing and urged the Government to speed up the recovery and identification of bodies.
Henry Chesang, a family member, pleaded with the Government to clear the air as the family had undergone emotional suffering since the death and disappearance of their sons.
“This pain must end. His wife and children have suffered enough. We are not sure of what next because we are not sure if our son is still alive or long gone,” he said of Kiprotich.
Governor Benjamin Cheboi asked the Government to support Kurui’s family as the 11 children left behind were still in school.