Kericho: Son of KDF Officer Killed in Bar Carries His Portrait, Salutes in Front of His Casket
- Ezekiel Kipyegon Bett, the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) officer who was killed after a bar confrontation, was laid to rest in Kipkelion East, Kericho county
- The late officer's son carried his father's portrait as he was accompanied by the poll bearers, his dad's fellow officers, behind him
- The boy remained strong throughout the ceremony and made a bold gesture as he saluted his father's coffin
Don't miss out! Join Tuko.co.ke Sports News channel on WhatsApp now!
A Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) officer who passed away after a violent confrontation in a bar in Kericho county has been laid to rest.
Source: Facebook
Ezekiel Kipyegon Bett was buried in an emotional ceremony in Kamasian, Kabeneti, Kipkelion East, Kericho county.
Friends and family showed up in large numbers to give the cop a befitting sendoff on Thursday, March 7.
KDF officers carry Ezekiel Bett's coffin Kericho
One of the highlights in the burial was the sight of the cop's young son who, despite grieving, looked strong.
"As we mourn the loss of Bett, let us not forget the boy he left behind, a son who will grow up remembering his father’s bravery, sacrifice, and the love that remains in his heart forever. May he find strength, guidance, and the justice he deserves," Facebook user Wanjau Francis wrote.
The young boy confidently carried his father's portrait as he walked next to a woman who looked sorrowful.
Behind them were several soldiers who accompanied them to the burial venue, doubling up as poll bearers.
Bett's coffin covered with Kenyan flag ahead of burial in Kericho
The wooden coffin in which Bett lay was covered with the flag of Kenya, an honourable gesture by the army.
Throughout the service, the young boy did not look too sorrowful, a trait which social media users notice and praised.
He stood before his father's coffin with his shoulders squared and feet close to each other as he saluted his father, who was no more.
"Though just a child, his gesture spoke volumes, honor, pain, and the deep loss of a father he will never see again. He faced his father’s coffin with the strength of a soldier himself, bidding farewell in the only way he knew, yet his salute was unwavering, a symbol of respect and love for the hero he called 'Dad,'" Wanjau added.
Kenyans comfort Ezekiel Bett's son
Social media users flocked to the comment section, reacting to the boy's bravery and gesture throughout his father's burial.
Hillary Kibet Rono:
"So painful but the offspring of a lion is a lion too. One way or the other, he will take revenge for his father and get to know that soldiers never die, they rest."
Emmanuel Woyakapel:
"God is with you soon, and you shall continue raising your family flag."
Abu Wa Arsenal:
"He should post this picture when he finishes school and take it to the recruitment center.. this is a soldier in waiting."
Richard Mwangi:
"Normally children bury their parents. But not at this tender age. RIP soldier."
Sile Kosgei Nicholas:
"May God Almighty protect, guard, nourish and bless and order his steps always. Son, grow to fear the Lord and to always be His gallant soldier."
Limo Mark:
"My deepest and sincere condolences. May God continue to give him and the family strength and comfort during this time of grief. God will help them heal with time."
Source: Facebook
Police officer dies after shooting incident in Ruaraka area
In another story, a shooting incident outside a nightclub in the Ruaraka area, Nairobi, left one police officer dead.
The heartbreaking incident that occurred on Sunday morning, February 23, involved a police officer and a General Service Unit (GSU) officer.
The police officer involved in the shooting, Ezekiel Tarus, was surrounded by members of the public as he attempted to flee from the scene.
Proofreading by Mercy Nyambura, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
