Kellem Wycliffe, an officer with the Kenya Defense Forces (KDF), took his own life by shooting himself at his workplace on Monday.
The young soldier from Rusinga Village in Chekalini Ward, Lugari Sub-County, Kakamega County, succumbed to what appears to be overwhelming pressure and frustrations stemming from his work environment.
AD: Do you need a well-crafted CV for your dream job? Call/text/WhatsApp 0762287571
Kellem’s death came shortly after he posted a deeply emotional and revealing message on his Facebook account, where he openly accused his superiors of neglecting his pleas for assistance. In the post, which has since garnered widespread attention and reactions, Kelem expressed his despair over being denied a pass and a loan—requests he had made to help sustain his family.
“How can a CMS overrule your verdict if indeed you wanted to help me get a pass, something I’ve asked for since last week?” Kelem wrote, directing his frustration at a senior officer identified as BM 110 BDE Maj. He also accused another officer, Lt. Colonel Kimosop, of denying him a loan and forcing him to consider alternative, high-interest options.
“You decided to deny me a loan, advising me to go for one to the shylock. Shame on you! A senior officer like you refusing to sign a soldier’s loan form due to your nasty reasons and instead advising them to take shylock loans!” Kelem lamented in his post.
The soldier’s anguish was further evident as he referenced a colleague, Sergeant Kiplimo, whom he accused of making his life “seriously troublesome” since they first met.
Read also: KDF soldier killed in accident while pursuing stolen phone
Kellem’s post concluded with a somber farewell, telling Kimosop, “But as I leave my family disgruntled, live with yours in peace! F***ed up.”
According to a neighbor, Kellem had traveled on Sunday and had arrived at work in Kitale before taking his own life.
Kellem leaves behind a grieving wife and four children, who are now grappling with the loss of their sole provider. Friends and family describe him as a hardworking and dedicated individual who was deeply committed to his family and his role in the KDF.
Sam Oduor is the founder and one of the editors at WKT. With a strong background in Communication and Journalism, Sam is an experienced digital media expert currently building a team of young professionals dedicated to telling the story of our community in a unique, authentic way.
