Their desire was to serve their country in securing property and defending the lives of Kenyans.
Just like their other colleagues in the police force, their patriotism, devotion and discipline were the driving force that kept their spirits high with the hope that their budding careers would bloom.
Boniface Muthii, 26, and Benson Macharia, 22, had the whole world before them as they were barely a year old into their careers after their pass out at the Embakasi GSU Training School.
Their selflessness is what their beloved families can best remember them for and their relentless commitment to offer their services in a hardship area.
Muthii and Macharia were among the eight security officers, two civilians and a local chief who were ambushed and killed by cattle rustlers in Turkana late last week.
Even as the country continues to grapple with the tragic news, their families back in Kirinyaga county are the hardest hit.
One of Muthii’s closest relatives who sought anonymity told the Star that the death of their loved one is a big blow whose effect would take time to heal.
“I couldn’t believe it when I saw his dead body. It was in bad shape and shredded by bullets. It hurts more each day to wake up to the reality that I will see him no more," he said.
The relative said it was unfair for the newbies in the force to be dispatched to insecurity-prone areas for their first assignment as they were yet to be accustomed with their duties.
“His nature of work in the bandit-prone area was a great concern to him and one could tell though many are the times he chose to be tight-lipped," he said.
"I often encouraged him to hold on until such a time when there will be a breakthrough and get a transfer. It is unfortunate that he did not live to see the day or enjoy the fruits of his labour for a longer duration."
The relative now wants the state to restructure its programmes on the areas it dispatches its new officers. He said safety areas would give them time to practically understand their roles before they are transferred to more hardship areas.
The family, which hails from Mwea, is yet to decide on the day when the deceased will be laid to rest as they are yet to be furnished with an autopsy report.
However, as for Benson Macharia, his remains are set to be laid to rest on Friday in Kiriyaga Central. His uncle, Joseph Gitari, told the Star that burial plans are at an advanced stage.
He said they receive the news with great shock and are still dealing with the loss.
Gitari hopes that the autopsy report would be released soon so that it can enable them complete the burial plans without hitches.
(edited by Amol Awuor)
