Emotional moment as ex-military man petitions Senate while in hospital bed

Emotions on Tuesday engulfed a Senate committee as a former military officer petitioned the panel while in a hospital bed.

The former army man petitioned the Senate Security Committee to come to his rescue after seeking justice for more than 35 years.

"I sustained spinal cord injuries in 1987 leaving me bedridden and in need of medical care," Ochanda said.

Ochanda said he was an employee of the Ministry of Defence.

He explained that in 1995, he received a letter discharging him from the service

He said that he was informed by his commanding officer to proceed on leave pending his retirement.

"The day before my retirement, I went back to collect my remaining dues (but) they informed me that they would only provide me with a return ticket," he said.

Four months later, he sent his family to follow his payment but they were informed that his documents do not exist," he said.

He said he has struggled to get medical discharge benefits in vain.

This prompted him to go to court which eventually ruled in his favour in 2011.

He claimed that some government offices have frustrated his efforts to get his benefits awarded by the court.

"I have followed with various government offices such as the office of the Attorney General, CAJ, NCHR among other offices," he said.

Kajiado Senator Seki Kanar, who chaired the session, said the committee will summon Defence CS Aden Duale and Attorney General Justin Muturi to explain the matter.