Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya and the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Charles Kahariri, have been urged to take action following claims of irregularity in the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) recruitment.
This is after a video emerged showing a Kenyan youth who claims to be from Garissa lamenting and appealing for justice because he was unfairly denied a slot in the military.
In the video shared by activist Hussien Khalid on Monday, October 20, the young man alleged that he was unfairly replaced despite rightfully emerging top in the recruitment drive in his area.
According to the 22-year-old, he was unwarrantedly replaced by a less deserving candidate who, according to him, did not participate in the physical drills that take place during the recruitment exercise.
He insisted that the recruitment process, which took place on October 14, was marred by irregularity, claiming that he was left out despite meeting all the requirements in terms of height, weight and academics.
"On Tuesday, October 14, I participated in the KDF recruitment, and I passed in everything, including weight and height, and I even emerged first in running," the young man said.
Adding, " But at around 7pm on the same day, I was replaced by someone who was not even in the recruitment centre. The person was brought in by a vehicle."
While appealing for justice, the alleged victim called on CS Tuya and President William Ruto to intervene and ensure he earns his rightful place in the military.
He also highlighted Ruto's initial remarks in which the Head of State ordered the absorption of at least 500 athletes into the military, with the 22-year-old revealing that he is one of the best athletes in the Northeastern region.
"I am not rich, but I need help. I want this message to reach the Defence CS and President William Ruto because he promised to recruit more athletes to KDF directly. I am the only athlete from the North Eastern region," he pleaded.
"I feel I was left out because I do not have a godfather. I also urge Kenyans to help me get justice. I really need this KDF job because my mother is sick, so I need this job to get money to facilitate her treatment."
The 22-year-old's plea comes a week after CDF Kahariri urged recruitment officers to uphold integrity, transparency, and professionalism during the recruitment exercise that began on October 13.
Speaking on October 9, during a briefing session at Defence Headquarters in Nairobi, the CDF warned that any officer found engaging in activities that disparage the conduct of the exercise would face immediate and severe disciplinary action.
The CDF reminded officers that Kenyans' trust and confidence in the military hinges on fair and merit-based processes.
“The reputation of the KDF has been built over decades of discipline and service to the nation. This exercise must reflect our core values of integrity, patriotism, and excellence," General Kahariri affirmed.
