Retired British army officer killed by robbers on ranch in Kenya

The wife of a former British army officer killed by robbers on his ranch in Kenya says she plans to stay in the country to carry on his legacy. David Parkinson, who rose to the rank of lieutenant colonel, was killed Sunday at the Lolldaiga Hills cattle ranch in Nanyuki, 125 miles from the Kenyan capital, Nairobi, British newspaper The Guardian reported. Sonja Parkinson told police five men broke into the house armed with a gun and a machete, the weapon that killed her husband. In a statement released by the British high commissioner, Sonja Parkinson thanked the local community for supporting the family and the Kenyan police for their professionalism. "I intend to remain in Kenya," she said. "Like David I love the country and its peoples. My family are keen to continue his legacy." Police said one suspect was arrested Monday, The (Nairobi) Nation reported. Commander Marius Tum said the break-in occurred shortly before 1 a.m. Sunday. The robbers tied Sonja Parkinson's hands but she managed to escape them. Tum said the gang stole a laptop computer, phone and some other items. Parkinson, 58, spent 30 years in the Parachute Regiment. He was assistant director of Lewa Wildlife Conservancy for five years before becoming the manager of Lolldaiga Hills, which combines a cattle ranch with a nature preserve. He was also a director of the Laikipia Wildlife Forum.