A man died after collapsing at Kianyaga Stadium in Gichugu, Kirinyaga County, on Tuesday during the ongoing Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) recruitment exercise.

According to the police, Francis Wachira Kabuga collapsed upon completing the final lap as he was entering the stadium gate. First aid was promptly administered at the scene before he was urgently taken to the Kianyaga sub-county hospital.

He was subsequently transferred to Kerugoya County Referral Hospital, where he passed away in the evening.

“He was running with other recruits before he developed complications and died after being taken to Kerugoya Hospital. Right now, his body is lying at Kibugi Funeral Home in Kutus, waiting for a postmortem to establish what caused his death,” Kirinyaga East sub-county police commander Millicent Ochuka said.

ALSO READ:

• Lawyer Jackline Kimeto Pursues Rescission of Withdrawal Notice In Mumias Sugar Legal Matter
• Makueni County: Manhunt for suspect in fatal attack on ex-wife

Kabuga’s family, led by his father, Charles Kabuga, expressed their profound shock upon receiving the distressing phone call.

“I was called by his wife, telling me Wachira has been taken to Kerugoya Hospital after he collapsed in Kianyaga General Stadium. I took a boda boda and rode over 30 kilometers from my home, where I was shocked to see him lifeless in Kerugoya hospital,” Kabuga said.

The family had held high hopes that the 25-year-old Kabuga would realize his dream and successfully join the KDF.