Scores of Embu youth rejected in KDF recruitment drive over defective teeth

Scores of Embu youth were rejected from Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) recruitment because of dental problems caused by chewing miraa.

Many who turned up for the recruitment at Embu Stadium were found to have defective teeth thus automatically disqualified from joining the KDF.

Some were found to have cavities owing to decay.

Lt. Col. Philip Okoth, who supervised the recruitment, said most of the youth had other qualifications but the law requires a recruit to be physically and mentally fit.

Okoth said that they recorded the lowest number of recruits with very few of them being female.

Acording to him, only nine men and one woman were recruited from Nembure and Central Divisions.

He said a number of youth had no original certificates and missed the chance while others youth were over-age as the requirement was 28 years and below.

Okoth affirmed that the recruitment was free and fair for all, warning that anyone found soliciting for bribes will be dealt with.

He urged the youth take such recruitment seriously saying the prevalence of drug abuse and lack of guidance is to blame for the low turnout as well as ill health.

Madrine Kariuki, 23, the only female to be recruited could not hide her joy. “This has been my dream job to offer service to the country as frontline personnel,” she said.