Family Set to Bury Elite Recce Officer Killed by Terrorists

Twenty eight-year-old Bernard Kipkemoi Tonui was part of the Recce squad that was on a mission to rescue Garissa University students who had been taken hostage by Al Shabaab terrorists.

The family which has produced four security officers is mourning its second loss in three years as their older son, 34-year-old Bett was also gunned down in 2012 while on patrol in Garissa.

Speaking to the press, Fredrick Rotich, the chairman of Kipkemoi’s funeral committee, told Citizen TV that Kipkemoi went to Kilgoris Secondary School before becoming a corporal.

TRAINING IN AMERICA

Rotich adds that Kipkemoi received anti-terrorism training in America and became a specialist at the General Service Unit in Ruiru.

Mr Rotich said that the demise of the two heroes was a big blow to the family as well as the Nation.

He further added that the Sh100,000 budgeted for victims of the terror attack was not sufficient as the children left behind needed to be educated.

The late Kipkemoi leaves behind four children and a widow while the late Bett left behind six children and a widow.

Bomet Governor Isaac Ruto, who had paid the family a visit, called on the national government to ensure that officers who fight for the country and put their lives on the line in war fronts are given insurance for the sake of their families.

Ruto added that there was need to devolve the security function and engage county governments for the sake of all Kenyans.

 By Wangui Ngechu