Jacob Ng’etich, a former member of the Kenya Defence Force (KDF), has found himself in a completely different role as a water vendor in Kericho County following his dismissal from the military. Ng’etich’s expulsion from the KDF was a consequence of his participation in athletics on behalf of the military after dedicating 14 years to military service. His daily routine now begins at the break of dawn, as he travels approximately 5 kilometers from the Sigowet trading center, located within the Soin/Sigowet constituency, to a nearby stream.
To transport the water, Ng’etich relies on an aging motorcycle, a kind gift from a friend. He sells 20-liter jerry cans of water to the town’s residents, charging Sh15 for each can. What many of his customers may not realize is that their trusted water vendor is more than just a hardworking entrepreneur; he’s a former soldier who, under normal circumstances, would have been safeguarding the nation against both internal and external threats.
“I transport eight jerry cans of water per trip, which earns me Sh250. Unfortunately, this isn’t enough to support my family of seven children,” Ng’etich laments.
His journey in the military began as a serviceman on May 4, 1990, but it came to an abrupt end on August 8, 2004. Ng’etich expresses his frustration that his military background has turned into a burden, as potential employers frequently hesitate to hire him once they learn about his past.
“I once secured a job as a watchman, but the moment the building owner learned of my former military status, he dismissed me without explanation,” he recalls.
Before his dismissal, he had been assigned to the 10th Engineering Battalion in Nanyuki, where he further honed his combat engineering skills, earning a Class One certification as a mines and explosive disposal expert. Ng’etich, who was also a paratrooper, explains that his involvement in athletics became the catalyst for his troubles in the army.
“In 1999, I was granted permission to participate in various athletic camps. I joined one in Kapsabet county and later took part in the Kampala International Marathon, representing the armed forces and securing a sixth-place finish,” he said.
Upon returning to the 10th Engineering Battalion in Nanyuki, Ng’etich was informed that he had been marked as absent from work and subsequently confined to the guard room. The following day, he faced dismissal, despite his efforts to defend himself.
After dedicating 14 years and 70 days to his country, Ng’etich, born in Kaplamai location in Trans Nzoia county in 1969, left the army with only the clothes on his back, receiving no payment for his work benefits, leaving him in distress.
“I broke the news to my wife about my dismissal from the army, and she fell ill due to stress. The termination of my service has become a sentence of hardship for my family and me. I did not deserve this fate,” he said.
Ng’etich’s aspiration to rejoin the army has led him to participate in cadet recruitment exercises over the years, hoping the military would reconsider his situation.
“However, each time recruitment officers spot the word ‘dismissed’ on my Kenya Armed Forces Certificate of Service, they turn me away. Yet, I had devoted my heart and soul to serving in the army,” he said.
Ng’etich questioned the rationale behind the military investing significant resources in his training, only to dismiss him unfairly.
In his Kenya Armed Forces Certificate of Service, Ng’etich’s conduct is described as fair. It states, “Throughout his employment, Sapper Jacob Kemeli Ngetich was hardworking, though he was dismissed from service. He is recommended for employment by any willing employer.”
However, during the interview, Ng’etich said this recommendation had not translated into practical opportunities, despite his commitment to upholding law and order.
With tears in his eyes, Ng’etich appealed to President William Ruto, the commander in chief of the armed forces, to come to his rescue.
“Prominent Kenyans, especially politicians who were denied justice and their rights by the former regime, now enjoy their freedom. I implore the president to consider the plea of a former soldier like me.”
