University student dies during KDF recruitment in Bungoma

A 22-year-old Masinde Muliro University student on Wednesday died after collapsing during a Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) recruitment exercise in Chwele, Bungoma County.

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.

“The recruit fainted during the physical exercise stage and was confirmed dead on arrival at the hospital at about noon. His body has been taken to the Bungoma Referral Hospital mortuary,” Saina said.

Meanwhile, Lieutenant Colonel Eliud Yegon, who is overseeing the recruitment exercise, said many of the youths who turned up for the exercise faced difficulties because the names on their documents did not match, complicating verification.

“We have several cases where the recruits’ names per their birth certificates do not match what is on their academic certificates,” Yegon said.

He also urged young people aspiring to join the military to stay away from drugs and prepare adequately for the rigorous recruitment process.

In the ongoing recruitment throughout October, KDF seeks to fill openings for General Service Officer (GSO) Cadets, Specialist Officers, Tradesmen/women and other specialized roles in fields such as, Education, Engineering, ICT, Mass Communication, Legal and Supply Chain Management.