KDF soldier buried three months after death in El Adde attack

Monday April 25, 2016

Soldiers prepare to lay the body of their colleague James Saitoti Kuronoi to rest at his home in Nairegia-Enkare village, Narok County, at the weekend. [PHOTOS: ROBERT KIPLAGAT/sta ndard]

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Emotions ran high in Nairegia-Enkare village, Narok East, at the weekend as the body of James Saitoti Kuronoi, 37, was interred.

The body of the armoured personnel carrier driver, which was among those that were badly charred, has been lying at the Forces Memorial Hospital going through the identification process.

His relatives breathed a sigh of relief last week after DNA tests finally turned out positive. Over seven samples had been taken to the Government Chemist for testing.

Mr Kuronoi's colleagues mounted a 21-gun salute during his burial ceremony, where they also paid him glowing tributes, just like his relatives, friends and neighbours.

Kuronoi, who had served in the army for 13 years, leaves behind three children and a wife, Rose Sereya. The widow described Kuronoi as man who was passionate about his job, loving, caring and always a jovial husband and father.

"You did your duty, you paid the ultimate price, we will always remember your sacrifices. You were not only my husband. You were my everything," she said.

KDF Representative Major General Useru of the Kenya 7 Riffles Battalion assured the family that the Government would provide all necessary support for family of the fallen soldier.

Useru who said the DNA testing of the fallen heroes was tedious but vital, thanked Kuronoi's family for its patience.

"When that incident happened, it was hard for most families to identify their loved ones due to the state of the bodies, which caused delays in burial for most of them but I thank all the families of those who lost soldiers for their patience, co-operation and understanding," he said.

The fallen soldier's family led by Jane Kuronoi, called on the Government to compensate families of those who lost their loved ones as they fought for the country. "We have been left mourning and in great pain following the death of our KDF soldiers and we plead with the Government to remember us as their families," she said.

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