Jacktone Puodi, a soldier with the Kenya Defense Forces, is one of an unknown number of soldiers killed during the Westgate mall situation in Nairobi.
Journalist Nyambega Gisesa said on Tuesday via Twitter that “Although KDF is denying death of soldiers, a village in Homabay is mourning loss of their son soldier Jacktone Puodi at #westgatemall.”
Gisesa said in a later tweet that the family told him of the death.
Jared Owuor Aol, also on Twitter, said that “The gvt should be truthful on the KDF soldiers killed, at Homa Bay we are already mourning the death of Jacktone Puodi, a KDF soldier.”
Homa Bay is the largest town in Homa Bay County, and is on the shore of Lake Victoria in western Kenya, near the border with Uganda.
The attack on Westgate mall has left at least 72 dead, and over 175 wounded, according to official figures.
Those figures may rise on Tuesday, as government forces attempt to put a complete end to the stand-off. There are still several gunmen reportedly inside the mall holding hostages on Tuesday.
6 security officers, including Puodi, are dead from the attack.
Friends mourned for Puodi after learning the news. “I am grateful for the service of my friend Jackton alias ODM, a wonderful neighbour and a brave Soldier who did his best to defend his people #Westgate,” said Silva Tutu via Facebook. “Our hearts cries for your demise n words seem so inadequate to express our profound sadness at your loss. I only hope you can find a small bit of comfort in knowing we as Kenyans will never forget the sacrifices u make.”
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