This archive report was first published on 7 January 2020.
On January 5, 2020, a devastating Al Shabaab attack occurred at Manda Bay in Lamu, Kenya, resulting in the death of US military service member Henry Mayfield Jr. and two contractors, with two of his colleagues injured.
Mayfield's girlfriend, Bajah Crane, a fellow US military member, took to Facebook to express her grief and share a poignant tribute to her late partner.
Crane described Mayfield as her 'best friend' and shared photos of the two of them together, highlighting their close relationship.
She wrote, 'I never wanted you to be deployed. I never wanted you to be in Kenya. I just wish I could talk to you once last time.'
Crane's emotional posts captured the depth of her pain and regret over Mayfield's deployment, which she had not approved of.
US Africa Command Commander Stephen Townsend confirmed the incident, stating, 'Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of our teammates who lost their lives. As we honour their sacrifice, let's also harden our resolve.'
