South Mugirango MP Sylvanus Osoro has shared the heartbreaking story of a young man he supported from secondary school through his journey into the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), only for tragedy to strike days after he completed his military training.
Osoro said he first met Benard, a bright student from Sare village in Moticho Ward, while visiting Ndonyo High School during his first term as an MP.
“I met Ben when he was in Ndonyo High School as a Form 3 student when I went to commission a school dormitory in my first term as MP,” Osoro said.
The legislator said Benard caught his attention while making a presentation before guests at the school. He subsequently asked the school principal about the student and learnt that he was facing difficult circumstances at home.
“The principal disclosed to me that the boy had no father and the mother was struggling to pay for his fees,” Osoro recalled.
Moved by his situation, Osoro said he took responsibility for supporting the student until he completed his secondary education.
“The good news is that the boy completed his high school studies and immediately joined my team as he awaited for my guidance on his next move,” he said.
According to Osoro, Benard’s mother remained determined to see her son build a better future and frequently reminded him to support the young man’s ambitions.
“On several occasions, his mother would remind me never to forget his son and if possible, guide him on how to join the forces,” Osoro said.
The opportunity eventually came when Benard joined the Recruit Training School (RTS). Osoro said he helped him acquire the items he needed and arranged transport to Eldoret together with other recruits.
“On the day Ben joined RTS, as I did shopping for him and got him, alongside several others, a taxi for Eldoret, his mother shed tears of joy as she prayed for their journey mercies,” he said.
Osoro added that he sent Chief Nyamache and Johnson Morara to accompany the recruits on their journey.
Benard later successfully completed his military training, fulfilling the dream he and his mother had worked towards.
Osoro said he sent Benard’s former principal, Mr Mogoa, who is now at Nyanchwa Boys, and Nduru Boys Principal Mr Okombo Maobe to represent him during the pass-out ceremony on Thursday.
“GOOD NEWS is that Ben, alongside others, successfully completed the training,” Osoro said.
However, the joy was short-lived.
Osoro said Benard returned home after the pass-out ceremony hoping to celebrate the achievement with his mother, his only surviving parent. Two days later, she died.
“SAD NEWS, just as Ben arrived home for celebration with his ONLY parent, just two days after pass-out, his mother PASSED ON,” Osoro said.
The MP said the family was now preparing for a funeral instead of the celebration they had anticipated, leaving the newly graduated soldier devastated.
“Now we are planning for a funeral, not a celebration party. The soldier is inconsolable,” Osoro said.