Editor's Review

The university student collapsed and died during the physical fitness test at the KDF recruitment exercise.

The Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) leader Eugene Wamalwa has expressed deep sorrow following the death of a university student who collapsed and died during a Kenya Defence Forces recruitment exercise in Bungoma County.

In a short statement on Thursday, October 23, Wamalwa conveyed his condolences to the family of the deceased, who was named after him, and the people of Kabuchai.

"I have learnt with great sadness of the death of a young man named after me who collapsed and died during the ongoing KDF recruitment in Kabuchai, Bungoma County,” the statement reads.

“My deepest condolences to Eugene Wamalwa's family, Hon Kalasinger Majimbo, and the People of Kabuchai and Bungoma County for this tragic loss. May his soul rest in eternal peace.”

The 22-year-old Masinde Muliro University student collapsed on Wednesday during the physical fitness test at the KDF recruitment exercise in Chwele, Bungoma County.

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Bungoma Central Sub-County Police Commander David Saina confirmed that the young man fainted during the physical exercise stage and was rushed to Chwele Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival around noon.

"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 stated.

Physical fitness test at the KDF recruitment exercise.

Lieutenant Colonel Eliud Yegon, who is overseeing the recruitment exercise, urged aspiring military recruits to avoid drugs and ensure they prepare adequately for the demanding recruitment process.

Yegon also revealed that many young people who showed up for the exercise faced difficulties due to mismatched names on their documents, which complicated the verification process.

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

The Kenya Defence Forces is conducting recruitment exercises throughout October to fill various positions, including General Service Officer (GSO) Cadets, Specialist Officers, Tradesmen/women, and other specialized roles.