Engaging in combat leaves soldiers with battle scars - physical, emotional and even spiritual ones, that take time to make peace with.
The same rings true for Kenya's military men and women who have been deployed to Somalia, to combat the terror group, Al Shabaab.
One such hero is Corporal Edwin Wekoba, who lost both his legs while serving in the Kenyan Defence Force.
Despite his reality of having to use a wheelchair for his daily activities, the KDF soldier maintains high spirits as he held the East African Community flag, ushering in the 12th East African Military Games and Cultural Event at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.
The event, whose theme is ‘One People One Destiny', was officially opened by Defence Cabinet Secretary, Amb. Raychelle Omamo, at Moi International Sports Center Kasarani.
His show of resilience melted a number of Kenyans' hearts online with many praising the corporal for his bravery.
"True to self true to the country! All the best Corporal and all you gallant men and women who continuously exhibit courage and heroism by putting your lives on the line for our country," one user noted.
"This is great. A true soldier who is still serving his country despite a horrendous cost to him," another added.
Echoing the sentiments, another netizen wrote, "Corporal Edwin Wekoba is a true Kenyan. Disability is not inability. Thumbs up."
Here are the comments:
KDF moved into Southern Somalia on October 16, 2011, to pursue insurgents group Al Shabaab after a series of kidnappings of tourists along the border.
Later, the Kenyan government agreed to re-hat its forces under the African Union Mission in Somalia.
The troops from Kenya were later formally integrated into AMISOM on February 22, 2012, after the United Nations Security Council passed Resolution 2036.
AMISOM’s Sector 2, which has its headquarters in the port city of Kismayo, is comprised of Lower and Middle Juba.
