A somber mood engulfed Katuaa village in Kalama, Machakos County, as family, friends, police officers, and leaders gathered to bid farewell to Corporal Kennedy Mutuku Nzuve, the Kenyan police officer who lost his life while serving in Haiti.
Corporal Nzuve, who had been deployed as part of Kenya’s mission to help restore order in the Caribbean nation, died in a road accident while on duty. His death shocked colleagues and left his family devastated, especially as he was the only child in his family.
During the funeral service, mourners paid glowing tribute to the fallen officer, describing him as disciplined, courageous, and committed to service. His widow, Gladys Ndunda, and their two children, Prudence Muthoki and Elvin Mutemi, were overcome with emotion as they laid him to rest. Prudence, a KCSE candidate, gave a heartfelt tribute to her father, recalling his constant encouragement and warmth. “He was the best dad I could ever ask for,” she said, promising to honor his memory.
The police service accorded Nzuve full honors. Agrey Mboto Shamala, the commandant of the Rapid Deployment Unit (RDU), praised his sacrifice, saying he embodied the values of discipline and duty. A message from Deputy Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli, read by Senior Inspector Jackson Kangani, described the officer’s life as one that “radiated purpose and service.” The police leadership assured the family that they would remain the point of contact during the compensation process.
A 21-gun salute was performed in his honor, a symbolic gesture reserved for officers who serve with distinction. The sound echoed across the village as a reminder of the cost of duty and the nation’s appreciation of his service.
Leaders present at the funeral urged the government to support the bereaved family. Machakos Deputy Governor Francis Mwangangi and former Machakos Town MP Victor Munyaka called for prompt compensation. Munyaka also used the occasion to caution against the use of gangs in politics, warning that such actions could destabilize the country, drawing comparisons with Haiti’s current crisis.
Civil society also joined in paying tribute. Edward Githaiga, Executive Director of the Africa for Haiti Initiative, said Nzuve’s sacrifice would not be forgotten. “Mutuku did not fall in vain. He will be remembered as a son of Kenya, a defender of humanity, and a hero of our time,” he remarked.
Uniformed officers from the Administration Police and colleagues who had served with him in Haiti attended the funeral, standing in solidarity with the grieving family. Their presence reflected the unity within the service and the recognition of Nzuve’s contribution to Kenya and beyond.
For his family, the burial marked the painful loss of a husband, father, and only child. For Kenya, it served as a reminder of the risks borne by officers deployed to missions abroad. As the coffin was lowered into the grave and the final shots of the salute faded away, Corporal Nzuve was remembered as a loyal officer who gave his life in the line of duty—far from home, but in service to humanity.
IMAGE FILE FROM TWITTER
