Some of the Retired KDF soldiers from Teso North during burial of their colleague Jasper Opiri in Kakapel on Saturday October 28, 2017. [Photo|Busia County Government]KDF retirees form Association to address challenges facing them Kenya Defence Forces Retirees Association has been formed in Teso region, Busia County.This aims to address numerous challenges facing the members upon retirement.Speaking during the burial of their member Jasper Opiri, 59, at Kakapel Village on Saturday, the Association Chairman Pius Ikaal said the formation of the association followed request from the Department of Defence. "Our former bosses had raised concerns that most of the retirees disappear into oblivion after engaging in local brews, thus becoming very difficult to trace them. There are many opportunities which widows of retired army men enjoy like DIFMIS to enable them secure hospital insurance in specific hospitals. Some retired officers also change their homes without information," he said.Over 40 retired army officers gave their fallen colleague a befitting send off. Also present were wives of retired army officers including Angurai South ward Member of the County Assembly Grace Omasete and Jane Opollo.Ikaal said each member is supposed to pay Sh500 monthly contribution and subscription fee of Sh200. The association also engages in merry-go-round to benefit the members.The chairman said other challenges facing his members include delayed remittance of their pensions by some banks and false notion that retired officers are not in good terms with the local administration.Opiri who died from throat cancer joined the army in 1978. He was posted to 81 Tank Battalion in Nakuru in 1979 -1980. He was moved to 78 Tank Battalion in 1981 where he worked until retirement in 2013.He participated in peace keeping mission in East Timor. His colleagues eulogized him as a down to earth man who was friendly to everybody.The late Opiri leaves behind a widow and four children. He was the brother-in law to Patrick Etyang and cousin to Peter Ipara, staff at Busia County Government.

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