Former British Army Officer 'Killed By Herders' In Kenya

A former British Army officer has been shot dead in Kenya.

Tristan Voorspuy was killed by pastoral herders on Sunday while inspecting some of his lodges, a local police official told the Associated Press.

Mr Voorspuy, who spent six years in the Army from the mid-1970s, including two as a cavalry officer, was the founder of luxury adventure safari company Offbeat Safaris.

He had reached the rank of Lieutenant while serving in the Blues and Royals (Royal Horse Guards and 1st Dragoons).

Born in South Africa but schooled and raised in Sussex, Mr Voorspuy left the Army in 1981 and rode a motorbike from London to Cape Town, before creating Offbeat Safaris in 1990.

Mombasa-based business Scenic Air Safaris posted a tribute on its Facebook page, saying:

"It is with very very deep sadness that we report the tragic death of Tristan Voorspuy co-owner of Offbeat Safaris and Sosian Ranch in an incident in Laikipia today, Sunday March 4."

"Our thoughts and prayers go to his wife Cindy and family and to his friends and partners at Sosian Lodge and Offbeat Safaris.

"A true officer and a gentleman.#sosianlodge #offbeatsafaris."

Scenic's marketing manager, Simon Penfold, wrote on his page that Mr Voorspuy was murdered "in cold blood" by people who were "driven by crooked political motives that can only be described as 16th century - at best". He added:

"To those vexatious individuals I say this - you cannot hide - the truth will prevail - RIP an officer and a gentleman - we will never forget. Thoughts and prayers to Cindy and the family on this tragic day."

The British High Commissioner to Kenya, Nic Hailey, said:

"I was deeply saddened by the murder of Tristan Voorspuy, a dual Kenyan/British national shot dead at Sosian ranch in Laikipia yesterday. The British High Commission is in touch with his family to provide support at this difficult time.

"Alongside other international partners, I have repeatedly conveyed to the Kenyan authorities over the past months the United Kingdom's deep concern at the situation in parts of Laikipia.

"I have done so again following Mr Voorspuy's murder. I welcome the clear commitment at the highest levels to tackle the situation, and continue to urge the Kenyan authorities to take all necessary steps urgently to restore law and order, and to protect life and property in the area."