MARSABIT, Kenya — Police and military authorities have launched an investigation after a Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) corporal was found dead at a forward operation base in Marsabit County.
The circumstances surrounding the death of Corporal Kelvin Thuku remain unclear, with investigators examining whether he was killed or died by suicide.
The incident was reported on September 27, 2026, after a colleague raised the alarm when Thuku failed to respond to several phone calls.
Soldier Found Dead at Karare Base
The colleague reportedly went to check on Thuku at the Karare Forward Operation Base, where he found him unresponsive with a serious wound to the throat.
Police and Military Police officers visited the scene alongside the operation base’s medical officer, who confirmed Thuku’s death.
The scene was subsequently processed and documented as investigators began piecing together the circumstances of the incident.
Blood-Stained Knife Recovered
A blood-stained military knife was recovered at the scene alongside Thuku’s mobile phone.
Investigators are examining the items as part of efforts to establish what happened before the soldier’s death.
Authorities have not publicly established whether the knife was used by Thuku himself or by another person.
Multi-Agency Investigation Underway
Police and military investigators are working together to determine whether the death was a case of homicide or suicide.
Witnesses at the base were interviewed as part of the initial investigation, while the scene was examined for evidence that could help establish the sequence of events.
Thuku’s body was taken to the Marsabit County Referral Hospital Mortuary, where it is being preserved pending a postmortem examination.
The postmortem is expected to provide additional information that could assist investigators in determining the cause and circumstances of death.
Colleagues Say He Showed No Signs of Distress
Colleagues reportedly told investigators that Thuku had not exhibited any obvious signs of stress before his death.
They have called for a thorough investigation to establish what happened at the operation base.
Authorities have yet to announce any arrests or identify a suspect in connection with the death.
The investigation remains ongoing as police and military authorities seek to establish whether Corporal Thuku died by suicide or was killed by another person.
