IN PICTURES: Uhuru meets families of GSU officers killed in Naivasha fire

A memorial service for the 11 General Service Unit (GSU) officers who perished in the Naivasha  tragedy was held at State House, Nairobi.

The memorial service was graced by President Uhuru Kenyatta and First Lady Margaret Kenyatta among other dignitaries.

The officers from the elite Recce Unit were returning to Nairobi after escorting the President on his tour of Bomet County when they were caught up in the accident that claimed over 40 lives.

First Lady Margaret Kenyatta, Deputy President William Ruto, National Assembly Majority Leader, Aden Duale, were joined by Cabinet Secretaries, Principal Secretaries, rank and file of the security services, as well as nearly 1,000 other family, relatives and staff at the service.

The President conveyed his personal condolences and those of his family  to saying he greatly values the services rendered to his government by all staff who serve in State Houses and State lodges.

“I want all of you to know, security officers and staff of other departments who serve at State Houses and State lodges that I value your services,” said the President.

“I will stand by and with you. My government will stand with you,” he said.

The 11 GSU officers who were killed in the gruesome Karai road accident include: Abdisalam Aden of No.89518 Cpl, Cpl/Drv James Kamau of No.87481, Samuel Muthiora of No.94716 PC, Bernard Kung’u of No. 94113 PC, Alfred Nyabando of No. 94445 PC, Victor Tumo of No.94380 PC, Kevin Kibet of No.97041 PC, Evans Luturomoon of No.99408 PC, Barnabas Mele of No.97344 PC, Esther Mungai of No.98542 PC/W and Joseph Ouko of No.76039 PC/BUG.

The President encouraged the bereaved families and all Kenyans who lost their loved ones in the fatal accident to continue taking courage in God who would give them fortitude and strength to continue with their lives.

He similarly expressed his deepest sympathies to the National Police Service saying their dedication and commitment to serving the country is highly appreciated.

“It is opportunities like these that bring to the fore the challenges you go through,” the President told the officers.