During a pass-out parade at the Forest Law Enforcement Academy on the NYS Gilgil parade grounds, a Kenya Forest Ranger (KFS) fainted. This incident occurred in front of President William Ruto, who was presiding over the parade.
The exact cause of the fainting episode remains unclear.
Promptly, the officer was placed on a stretcher and removed from the parade grounds for immediate first aid. Unofficial sources suggest that the ranger may have collapsed due to prolonged standing and waiting for the oath of service to be administered.
The officers had been in attendance since morning, and the situation became overwhelming, according to one source.
The government has not confirmed whether the collapsed officer had a preexisting condition that might have precipitated the fainting spell.
This particular ranger was one of 2,664 recruits graduating from the Forest Law Enforcement Academy. Their official induction into the service signifies their duty to protect, conserve, and sustainably manage forests and their resources in Kenya.
After six months of rigorous paramilitary training, they are now prepared for the noble mission of forest protection.
During the pass-out parade, President William Ruto made assurances to the newly inducted rangers that their terms of service would be reviewed, along with those of Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) officers.
Additionally, during the event, Ruto ordered the immediate dismissal of 23 Kenya Forest Service (KFS) officials accused of corruption.
He pointed out that their corrupt practices had resulted in the destruction of thousands of acres of the nation’s forest cover.
Accompanying the President were Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Environment Soipan Tuya and Nakuru County Governor Susan Kihika. Others in attendance included Ministry Principal Secretaries, KFS Board Chairman Job Chirchir, and the Chief Conservator of Forests Alex Lemarkoko.
