A Soldier’s Plea: Zipporah Kata Seeks New Start After Military Dismissal
Ongata Rongai, Kajiado County
Life has taken a dramatic turn for Zipporah Kata, a former Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) officer, who now finds herself seeking employment in the civilian security sector after her military career was abruptly cut short.
The single mother of two, once a disciplined servicewoman, claims her dismissal was tied to a personal relationship with a superior officer that turned sour. Now out of uniform and in survival mode, she’s appealing to well-wishers and employers alike for a second chance—this time in private security.
Military Exit and a New Struggle for Stability
Zipporah, who served in the armed forces for over 11 years, shared her emotional journey in an exclusive with TUKO.co.ke. According to her, what began as a seven-month relationship with her superior ended with a dismissal—and a cruel twist she claims involved planted evidence.
“The bullets were planted in my home. I was framed,” she alleged, stating this marked the beginning of her downfall. After her dismissal, Zipporah was forced to leave military housing, draining her savings to adjust to a new life outside the barracks with her two daughters.
"I’m Not Looking for Love—Just a Job"
Zipporah made it clear that her current mission is not romantic redemption but professional rehabilitation. “I want a job, specifically in security. I have the training, I have the experience. That’s where I can perform best,” she said.
She revealed that the ripple effects of her dismissal deeply affected her family. “My daughters were emotionally distressed. We had to downsize our entire lifestyle—shift homes, switch schools,” she said. Her eldest daughter had to leave a boarding school, while her younger one transitioned from private to public education.
The mental toll has also been heavy. “I withdrew. I didn’t want to be around people. Even now, I prefer solitude,” she admitted.
A Message of Forgiveness and Strength
Despite the pain, Zipporah harbors no bitterness toward the officer she blames for her dismissal. Her message to him is one of grace. “I forgave him. I just hope he finds it in his heart to treat others with kindness. People in positions of power shouldn’t use it to destroy others.”
She remains hopeful for employment, urging anyone in need of a skilled and disciplined security worker to give her a chance. “If you know of any opportunity in security work, I’d appreciate being considered,” she said with visible emotion.
Kenyans React: Sympathy, Caution, and Encouragement
Zipporah’s story has triggered varied responses online. While some empathized with her situation, others pointed to the consequences of mixing professional and personal lives. Caleb Kirui commented, “You can start your own security firm. Your skills are valid.” Another, Kiprotich Cheruiyot, was more critical: “Choices have consequences.”
Others called for fairness, questioning why only one party faced consequences. Joseph Kariuki asked, “Did the man get fired? As a father of daughters, this feels unjust.”
Resilience in the Face of Adversity
Zipporah’s journey is a reminder of how quickly life can change—and how courage and forgiveness can light the path forward. Though she has ruled out returning to the military, her discipline, training, and resolve remain sharp as ever.
Her story is not just about loss—it’s about resilience, motherhood, and the power of a second chance.
