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The British soldier who was killed in Nairobi last week was shot by armed thugs at Ngong Hills while on a motorbike trip.

New details have emerged indicating that the ‘exceptional’ British soldier, Major Kevin McCool, 32, thought the muggers were armed with a toy pistol and decided to resist.

Police said the officer was riding his motorcycle at Ngong Hills, about 25km from Nairobi when he was confronted by two gunmen.

The armed men attempted to rob him of his valuables and cash but he resisted, prompting the shooting.
The attackers escaped to an unknown destination immediately after the fatal shooting.

The National Police Service (NPS) headquarters said a special team had been formed to track down the gunmen.

The shooting, police said, took place just as McCool was preparing for the end of tour of duty.

Succumbed to injuries

The officer was rushed to hospital but succumbed to the injuries.

Other riders have raised alarm saying the area where McCool was shot is not safe even at day time.
The area is popular with motor riders for training purposes.

“Kevin McCool, rider number seven, was apparently shot in attempted mugging on the Ngong Hills last week. We thought his condition was stable but sadly he didn’t pull through. Please be careful riding on the Ngong Hills. We have reason to believe the security situation up there is not safe,” said a rider.
Sources said the deceased soldier was a frequent visitor there.

The special team of detectives has visited the scene twice and reports indicate that they are pursuing very good leads. “The team has made some good progress in establishing the identity of the suspects,” a senior detective told People Daily.

The deceased was due to leave Kenya in three days.

Britain’s army has a permanent training support unit of around 100 staff in Kenya, with an extra short-tour cohort of around 280.

Mainly based in Nanyuki, the Army’s camp provides “demanding training to exercising units preparing to deploy on operations or assume high-readiness tasks”.

McCool’s father Joseph told the British media the son was on a bike trip away from base, preparing for the end of his tour of duty.