Co Armagh soldier shot dead in Kenya on a motorcycle trip was just three days from end of tour
A British military officer, Major Kevin McCool, who was on a motorcycle journey in Kenya, tragically lost his life in an off-duty incident on November 29.
This unfortunate event occurred merely three days before he was scheduled to complete his deployment.
Joseph, the father of Major Kevin McCool, mentioned that his son was on a motorcycle excursion away from the military base, making preparations for the conclusion of his tour of duty.
“He decided to go out on his scrambler motorbike for one last ride up a local mountain,” he said.
“He went up a road and two guys jumped out at him with a gun.
“It seems that he thought the gun was a dummy, he didn’t think it was real.
“He made the mistaken assumption that the gun was artificial, and they shot him.”
Major McCool, originally from Northern Ireland, received his commission from Sandhurst in 2014. Throughout his military career, he served in various regions, including Europe, the Middle East, the Falklands, and Africa.
In Kenya, the British Army maintains a permanent training support unit consisting of approximately 100 staff, along with an additional short-tour cohort of around 280.
Predominantly situated in Nanyuki, which is 124 miles north of Nairobi, the army’s role involves delivering rigorous training to units undergoing exercises in preparation for deployments on operations or assuming high-readiness tasks, as stated on the army’s website.
In honoring Major McCool, the Ministry of Defence expressed that he excelled in the military setting.
Defence Secretary Grant Shapps characterized him as an “exceptional person and an exceptional soldier.”
Joseph, his father, shared that the army’s senior leaders conveyed to him that Major McCool was “loved” and “adored” by his fellow colleagues.
“Every life is precious, but this guy was really, really special,” he added.
“He was 1,500m Ulster champion. He ran for Ireland. He played piano, harp, tin whistle.
“He went to Sandhurst. He progressed up the ranks very quickly to be a major.
“He won several military cross-country races and various sporting events. A very strong sporting guy.”
Mr McCool added: “We are incredibly proud of our son and what he has done.”
