A man from Makongeni Estate, Nairobi county, is mourning the loss of his friend who perished in a grisly accident in Kwale county.

Lieutenant Dan Mutinda Nzuva died alongside his colleague, Evander Amonde, in the tragic incident.

The two Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) officers met their untimely fate on the afternoon of Saturday, June 14.

They died after a Kenya Air Force aircraft crashed near Mwakijembe Primary School in Mafundani village, Kwale County.

Speaking to TUKO.co.ke, Fredrick Odhiambo Were said he was shattered by the news, particularly the death of Mutinda.

“Such a brilliant mind. Just when his star was beginning to rise. Rest easy, Dan. Here in the neighbourhood, he was a chilled man. No one could even tell he was an officer. He bonded very well with almost everyone. A great, humble, and brilliant man. Left at the peak of his life,” he said.

Odhiambo noted that the 25-year-old lived with his parents and did not have a family at the time of his death.

Mutinda’s parents were devastated by the heartbreaking news, which left them in unimaginable pain.

“He stayed with the parents but had his own camp too. The family is devastated, but they are trying to cope,” he added.

Odhiambo mentioned that activities were already underway at Mutinda’s home as friends and colleagues visited to console the bereaved family.

He said friends were meeting daily to make burial plans, expecting to lay the young officer to rest next week.

Sharing in the grief online, social media users joined Odhiambo in mourning Mutinda, whose life was cut short abruptly.

Qadenge Newton:

“Brilliant mind just gone like that. He was street-smart and book-smart.”

Janet Otieno:

“Died such a painful death together with Evander Amonde. May they both rest in peace.”

Jacob Otieno:

“Very sad to lose such a young and energetic person.”

Njagi Kevin:

“Condolences to the family and friends.”

Eric O'Bocyreh:

“May he rest in peace. I saw his dad faint—I hope he recovered. Praying for the family to receive the Lord’s comfort

In another story, Evander’s family, led by his father, also mourned their loved one, whom he highly praised.

Otieno Amonde, Evander’s father, expressed his heartbreak, describing his son as his light and joy—now no more.

He admitted to struggling to come to terms with the loss of his son, who had been his hope for a better future.

He penned a tearjerking tribute to his son, emotionally recounting the last time he saw him at the War Memorial in Nairobi.

He asked Kenyans to keep him and his family in their prayers as they navigated this difficult time.

The young man’s death came just days after he made Kenyans proud during the Madaraka Day celebrations in Homa Bay county.

Source: TUKO.co.ke