Kenya’s finest shooter Edward Legei takes final bow

Decorated Kenya Open Bisley Shooting Championships marksman Edward Legei [COURTESY]

Decorated Kenya Open Bisley Shooting Championships marksman Edward Legei is dead.

Legei, a four-time winner of the Kenya Open Fullbore Bisley Championships died yesterday after a short illness, according to family sources.

The former Presidential Escort Unit Officer was a mainstay in the Kenyan Fullbore shooting team having first made his mark at the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester where he finished 25th in the Fullbore Rifle Queens Prize with 390.36 points.

National team captain Sanford Otundo described Legei’s demise as a big blow to the shooting fraternity.

“I am still in shock. His passing has taken a toll on me for he was my mentor. It is really a sad for shooting and his family in particular. Our deepest sympathies to his family and friends,” Otundo said yesterday.

Former Kenya Regiment Rifle Club) captain Wilberforce Kerema said Legei served the country with honour and always carried himself with dignity during international competitions.

“He was very competitive and represented our country with honour. He has mentored many shooters. We will miss him,” Kerema said.

Legei was the Kenyan captain from 2007 to 2011 – with the last year of his captaincy delivering a huge success at the annual UK Bisley Imperial shooting hosted by the National Rifle Association of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth.

During the 142nd United Kingdom Bisley Imperial Shoot in London, the team led by Legei put up a splendid performance, winning three gold medals out 13 on offer. This was the first time Kenya had claimed a gold medal at the annual event.

Laikipia Woman Representative Cate Waruguru was among the politicians to mourn the fallen sharpshooter describing him as a “Laikipia warrior” on her social media pages.

“Two weeks ago, we met with Edward and had a lengthy discussion on matters to security in Laikipia North as well as development, what is done and what is remaining to be accomplished,” she wrote on her facebook page.

“We were to meet again to deliberate on the above issues, but God did His wish before our plans were fulfilled. 

“To family, I wish you peace that will bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your heart, Amen,” the statement read.

Legei served in the Presidential Escort Unit under the late President Daniel arap Moi and during Mwai Kibaki and Uhuru Kenyatta’s presidency.

He had recently been transferred from Kitui where was serving as the Sub County Deputy Commander under the Kenya National Police Service (KNPS), to Nairobi.