Ranger faints in front of Ruto during pass-out parade in Gilgil

 

A Kenya Forest Ranger on Wednesday fainted during the pass-out parade presided over by President William Ruto at the Forest Law Enforcement Academy at the NYS Gilgil parade grounds. 

The ranger fainted as they were standing waiting to take an oath of service and was immediately put on a stretcher and taken away from the parade so that he could receive first aid.

It was however not clear what could have caused him to collapse.

The ranger not known by name, was part of the over 2,600 recruits who were graduating from the Forest Law Enforcement Academy. 

It is the highest cohort to ever graduate from the class.

During the pass-out ceremony, rangers demonstrated the various forest protection tactics that they had learnt during their training.

They were also to display various skills that they have acquired during training including martial arts, silent drill, songs and dances, as well as the traditional parade.

Since many have retired, the exercise was meant to freshen the pack.

President William Ruto who was presiding over the ceremony ordered the immediate dismissal of forest managers and 23 rangers.

He said those who were to be dismissed had been involved in corruption.

"I have instructed the Kenya Forest Service board that all those engaged in corruption be fired and be taken to court. We have already found 23 forest managers and rangers," Ruto said.

He also directed that the officials be taken to court over their illegal dealings.

The 23 forest officers and rangers are under investigation by the DCI over complicity in forest destruction, corruption, dereliction of duty and incompetence.    BY THE STAR