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UK Soldier Serving in Kenya Killed in Off-Duty Incident
Major Kevin McCool, a British soldier stationed in Kenya, tragically passed away on November 29th, just three days before the end of his tour. While the British Ministry of Defence remains discreet about the specifics, news reports paint a picture of a fateful motorcycle journey, a final adventure before returning home.
McCool, a “big family man” according to his colleagues, embarked on a solo ride up a local mountain. His father, Joseph, shared that Kevin mistook a weapon brandished by two individuals for a prop, leading to the unfortunate incident.
Beyond the official title of Major, McCool was a decorated soldier, having served with distinction across Europe, the Middle East, the Falklands, and Africa. His physical prowess and infectious enthusiasm were legendary, evidenced by him conquering grueling military courses and motivating his peers.
Joseph reminisced about a son with a “mischievous twinkle,” a pointer to his warmth and approachability.
Wednesday, the BBC reported that the Kenyan investigators who are handling the case were about to make arrests. The British broadcaster reported that a senior investigating officer, who spoke to them anonymously, said British and Kenyan investigators had visited the crime scene just outside Nairobi.
The team is “close to making arrests”, the BBC quoted the officer to have said.
The quoted officer said Maj Kevin McCool was on a motorcycle trip off-base when he was attacked by a group of gunmen who ambushed him when he drove into Vet Farm, a popular hiking spot about 25 km from Nairobi.
The men demanded money and his phone before one of them drew a gun, the officer said.
The British Army Training Unit in Kenya, where McCool was stationed, plays a crucial role in regional security. Through joint exercises and training programs, British and Kenyan troops collaborate to combat terrorism and maintain stability.
Guinea-Bissau: Coup Attempt Sparks President to Dissolve Parliament
Guinea-Bissau’s President Umaro Sissoco Embalo Monday 4th dissolved parliament, citing a failed coup attempt last week and the alleged complicity of the national guard with “certain political interests.”
The move came on the heels of heavy clashes that erupted in the capital Bissau on Friday between the national guard, linked to the opposition-controlled interior ministry, and the presidential guard. The violent episode, which left at least two dead, cast a dark shadow over the country’s already fragile stability.
Embalo, who was attending the COP28 climate conference in Dubai at the time, claimed he was prevented from returning home earlier due to the unfolding coup attempt. Upon his arrival Saturday, he wasted no time in dissolving parliament, declaring that state institutions could no longer function effectively amidst such blatant disloyalty.
“The connivance between the national guard and certain political actors renders normal functioning of state institutions impossible,” Embalo stated. He assured the public that fresh legislative elections would be held at an unspecified “opportune moment” in accordance with the constitution.
However, his decision was met with swift condemnation from his key rival, Domingos Simoes Pereira. The former president of parliament and leader of the PAIGC party, which secured a majority in June’s elections, denounced the move as unconstitutional, adding fuel to the already volatile political climate.
Several dozen protesters gathered outside the dissolved parliament building, voicing their disapproval of Embalo’s drastic action. Their anger echoed concerns that the president might be exploiting the coup attempt as a pretext to consolidate power and silence dissent.
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