"After beating odds": Kisii KDF graduate's homecoming ceremony turns to grief
This story has significance for readers across Kenya and beyond.
- MP Silvanus Osoro has shared the story of Benard, a KDF graduate from Sare, Moticho Ward, who returned home to celebrate his pass-out only to face a devastating loss
- Osoro had sponsored Benard through high school after meeting him as a Form 3 student and noticing his potential despite his difficult background
- The young soldier arrived home to celebrate with his only parent after completing military training, but fate had a heartbreaking twist waiting for him
A young soldier who had just completed his Kenya Defence Forces training returned home to celebrate with the one person who had sacrificed everything for him, only for her to pass on just two days later.
Kisii MP Silvanus Osoro shared the heartbreaking story of Benard, a recruit from Sare village in Moticho Ward, on Facebook, revealing how what should have been a family celebration was swiftly replaced by grief and mourning.
How MP Osoro Came to Know Benard
The MP's connection to the young soldier dates back to his first term in office, when he visited Ndonyo High School to commission a school dormitory. During the event, a Form 3 student named Benard made a presentation before the guests, and his composure and sharpness left a strong impression on Osoro.
When the MP enquired about him, the school principal revealed that Benard had lost his father and his mother was struggling to pay his fees. Osoro stepped in, sponsoring him through to the completion of his high school studies. After completing his education, Benard joined the MP's team as he waited for guidance on his next step.
Benard's mother remained deeply involved in her son's journey. On several occasions, she reached out to Osoro, urging him never to forget her son and to help him find a way into the armed forces.
A Mother's Tears of Joy That Turned to Mourning
When the day came for Benard to leave for the Recruit Training School in Eldoret, his mother was present to see him off, reportedly shedding tears of joy and praying for the recruits' safe journey. Osoro arranged shopping for the recruits and organised transport for them, and sent Chief Nyamache and Mr Johnson Morara to accompany the group.
Months later, Benard completed his training. For the pass-out ceremony, Osoro sent Benard's former principal, Mr Mogoa, now at Nyanchwa Boys, and Nduru Boys principal Mr Okombo Maobe to represent him.
Then came the news that shattered any prospect of celebration. Just two days after the pass-out, as Benard arrived home to mark the milestone with his only surviving parent, his mother passed away.
"Now we are planning for a funeral, not a celebration party," Osoro wrote. "The soldier is inconsolable. What is life now!!"
The MP, who has publicly championed the boy's journey from a struggling secondary school student to a commissioned soldier, did not hide his own grief at the turn of events, and announced that plans were already underway to give Benard's mother a dignified send-off.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
Reporting originally appeared via TUKO. Read the full source for additional context.