Family pays tribute to fallen Kenya Defence Forces man

Kenya: Relatives, friends and colleagues paid glowing tribute to the fallen Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) soldier who died after his convoy was ambushed by Al-Shabaab fighters in Lamu.

Lt Dennis Orutwa Okong'o and several colleagues were returning from an assignment when they were attacked in Basuba in Lamu County two weeks ago.

Three of his colleagues were also injured in the attack. Military spokesperson Colonel David Obonyo said eight militants were killed after a fierce fire exchange.

Okong'o will be laid to rest today in Bogichora, West Mugirango constituency.

Family and friends eulogised him as a dedicated, polite and simple man.

"He was very dedicated to his work and country," his cousin Walter Nyariki, who lived with him in Nakuru for the last three years told The Standard.

Okong'o was shot three times in the hand and legs. The family says his unit was attacked by dozens of fighters.

"They were almost 100 armed men," his cousin Jeff Onsongo said quoting military sources.

Nobility of purpose

His friend Obadiah Onyancha described him as a "polite and simple man". Troops deployed in Kismayu, Somalia, said they were honoured by his sacrifice and nobility of purpose.

The 27-year-old, who has left behind a widow and a three-year-old son, joins the list of KDF men who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for their country since the Somalia insurgency begun in October 2011.

The military has never released the exact number of soldiers who have died as a result of the fight against Al-Shabaab.

The first causality of the Somalia war was Corporal J Kiptum who was killed on October 27, 2011 when Al-Shabaab fighters ambushed elements of BCT 1 Battle Group and DCT 15 Battle Group at Del Buiu, five kilometres before Tabda.