Brigadier Swaleh Said buried in Kikambala, Kilifi County

KDF's Brigadier Swaleh Nzaro Said was buried at his farm in Kikambala, Kilifi county Friday at around 6pm.

Brig Said was among senior military officers who perished in a chopper crash at Kaben, To subcounty in Marakwet East Thursday afternoon.

He was given a 13-gun salute.

Said's body arrived in Mombasa mid-morning and was taken to his mother's home in Majaoni, Kisauni subcounty for preparation.

Earlier, the family had planned to inter his remains at the mother's home in Majaoni but it later emerged that he had wished to be buried at the farm he bought in Kikambala, Kilifi County.

High ranking retired and serving military officers were present during the burial at his Majaoni home where prayers were conducted.

Government and senior politicians from across the political divide were also present.

They included Gender CS Aisha Jumwa, EALA MP Hassan Omar, Mombasa Senator Mohamed Faki and Kisauni MP Rashid Bedzimba.

Others were former Nairobi Metropolitan Services director general Lt Gen (Rtd) Mohommed Badi, former KPA chair Maj Gen (Rtd) Joseph Kibwana, among others.

EALA MP Hassan Omar, who also served in the military for a year, made a grand entrance at the Majaoni home.

Defence CS Aden Duale was expected to arrive at the family home but by 4.30pm, he was yet to make an appearance and it was decided that proceedings continue without him.

Duale had attended another burial in Marsabit County.

Kenya Defence College commandant Lieutenant General Mwinyi Kai arrived at the home at around 4.20pm and was received with great respect.

The deceased's uncle, Juma Mzuri, who spoke on behalf of the family, said the show of love by Kenyans who turned up for the funeral showed that the deceased lived well with people.

"Allah will repay you in His own way. Thank you," he said.

Lt Gen Kai, who represented the KDF fraternity, said the country is in mourning but through the love shown by Kenyans, the period is not as heavy as it always is.

He read President William Ruto's condolence message.

Ruto described Swaleh as a dedicated and loyal senior officer, whose 35 years and 343 days of service in the military saw him rise through the ranks to be appointed as the Combat Engineer Brigade Commander on April 28, 2023.

He was holding this position when he met his death.

"He earned himself the admiration and respect of his colleagues and friends," Ruto said.

"The cruel hand of death has robed his family of a loved one and the country of a patriotic and hardworking senior officer."

After the salat al- janazah (funeral prayer), the body was moved to Kwa Kadzengo, in Kikambala, Kilifi County for interment.

Governors Gideon Mung'aro of Kilifi County and his Mombasa counterpart Abdulswamad Nassir were at the Kikambala home where they received the body.

It is here that the deceased was accorded a 13-gun salute.

Brigadier Swaleh Nzaro Said leaves behind two widows; Salma Achieng Mayambo and Rose Abdul Mbembe Rahma, and over six children.

CS Jumwa said Brig Said was a hero and a Kenyan gentleman who served Kenya with diligence.

"As a country, we are mourning their deaths together with other Kenyan neighbours," Jumwa said.

Others who attended the funeral include Maj Gen Shume, Maj Gen Hassan, Deputy Navy Commander Brigadier Chelimo, among others.