Masinde Muliro University Student Dies During KDF Recruitment in Bungoma
He also urged young people aspiring to join the military to stay away from drugs and prepare adequately for the rigorous recruitment process.
Bungoma Central Sub-County Police Commander David Saina said the man collapsed during the physical fitness test and was pronounced dead after being taken to Chwele Hospital. photo/courtesy.
By Ruth Sang
Drama unfolded on Wednesday in Chwele, Bungoma County, as a 22-year-old student of Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) collapsed and died while going through the ongoing Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) recruitment.
The teenager collapsed while undergoing the physical fitness test, a procedure that is part of the recruitment process of the military, according to Bungoma Central Sub-County Police Commander David Saina. He could not be revived even after efforts were made to do so and was discovered dead upon arrival at Chwele Hospital.
“The candidate collapsed during the physical exercise session and was declared dead at the hospital around noon,” Saina explained. “His corpse was subsequently taken to Bungoma Referral Hospital mortuary for postmortem to determine the cause of death.”
The accident cast a somber mood over the training, which had brought hundreds of aspiring young men and women to volunteer for the national defense army. The authorities have since officially opened investigations into the accident in an effort to determine what might have led to the sudden death of the student.
Lieutenant Colonel Eliud Yegon, who was in charge of the recruitment within the region, lamented the unfortunate occurrence and extended condolences to the family of the late. He further noted various challenges encountered during the exercise, including documentation issues by the candidates.
“We have seen a lot of instances where names on birth certificates are different from those found on documents of academic attainment. This has made it quite difficult for verification,” Yegon stated. He cautioned prospective recruits to have their documents verified and consistent to prevent disqualification or unnecessary delay during screening.
Lieutenant Colonel also warned young Kenyans who want to join KDF to adequately prepare themselves physically and mentally for the intensity of army recruitment. “The candidates should maintain their physical fitness, avoid drug abuse, and prepare beforehand since the physical tests are challenging and require good health and stamina,” he warned.
The death of the student has triggered sadness and worry in society, with most calling for increased health preparedness during such national recruitment campaigns to prevent such incidents in the future.
The ongoing KDF recruitment exercise in the country is aimed at enlisting new soldiers to bolster national security and replace retiring officers. The authorities have stated that all protective and medical needs will still be maintained to ensure the safety of participants’ lives.
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