KDF Recruit Dies During Recruitment Exercise in Giriftu, Wajir County.

Wajir, Kenya.

A Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) recruit collapsed and died on Monday during a physical fitness exercise in Giriftu, Wajir County, casting a somber mood over the ongoing nationwide military recruitment drive.

The deceased, identified as Mahat Abdi Ali, was among hundreds of young hopefuls who turned up at the Giriftu recruitment center for the KDF exercise.

According to Senior Chief Yussuf Mohamed Osman of Giriftu location, Abdi had successfully completed the running drill before suddenly collapsing.

“He was well in the morning before the exercise. After completing the run, he fell and was immediately rushed to Giriftu Hospital, where medics pronounced him dead on arrival,” said Chief Yussuf in an interview with Wajir Community Radio.

Authorities said preliminary reports indicate no known prior medical condition, though an autopsy is expected to establish the cause of death. The deceased’s parents, who reside in Ganyure, Wajir West, have been notified.

The body remains at Giriftu Hospital morgue as investigations continue.

This incident comes amid heightened public scrutiny over the ongoing KDF recruitment, which has seen reports of irregularities and growing concerns over the safety and transparency of the process.