Last week, on Thursday, April 18, 2024, 9 of the 11 Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) soldiers aboard a Huey UH-1 Kenya Air Force helicopter died in a fatal crash, and KDF’s highest ranking officer, General Francis Ogolla, the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), was among those killed in the air accident that occurred around 14:20hrs in Sindar, Elgeyo Marakwet County.
Of the nine who perished, three have already been buried: These are Brigadier Swale Saidi and Captain Mohamed Sora, in line with Muslim traditions but following military protocols, that Friday, April 19, and General Ogolla himself on April 21 in his family’s grave in Ng’iya village, Siaya County.
> Statement of Former President Uhuru Kenyatta on the Death of KDF Chief Francis Ogolla
And for the remaining six, the Kenya Air Force on Wednesday, April 24, held a mass of requiem at Moi Air Base in Eastleigh, Nairobi, for the repose of their souls, and will be laid to rest in their respective homes on diverse dates between April 25 and next month on 11th.
The six soldiers are Sergeant Rose Nyawira, who was a photographer at the office of General Ogolla, Senior Sergeant John Muriithi, an air technician at Moi Air Base, Colonel Duncan Keitany, Major George Magondu, a pilot at Moi Air Base, Lieutenant Colonel David Sawe, Sergeant Cliphonce Omondi and Captain Hillary Litali, an aide-de-camp to the CDF.
At the requiem mass, the Commander Kenya Air Force Major General John Omenda paid his last respects to the fallen heroes who served, suffered and gave their lives in defence of the country when he condoled with their families.
“This is one of the worst tragedies that the Kenya Air Force and the Kenya Defence Forces, as a whole, have faced. I pass my condolences to all the bereaved. I have constituted a board to investigate the cause of the crash and give recommendations to further improve the safety of our troops going forward,” he was quoted.
Also speaking during that event were Commandant DOD Camp Admin Unit (CAU) Brigadier Willy Wesonga, Base Commander Moi Air Base (MAB) Brigadier Samwel Kipkorir and Military Wives Association Kenya (MWAK) Vice Chairperson Mrs Grace Kahariri, each praising the fallen soldiers for their sacrifice and passed their condolences to their family and friends.
Those in attendance included Assistant Chief of Defence Forces, Personnel and Logistics (ACDF P&L) Maj Gen David Keter, Assistant Chief of Defence Forces, Operation, Planning, Doctrine and Training (ACDF OPD&T) Major General Fredrick Leuria, Director of Medical Services Maj Gen (Dr) George Ng’ang’a, Commandant Joint Command and Staff College (JCSC), Maj Gen Eric Kinuthia, Senior Officers, Officers, Service Members, Families and friends of the deceased.
> KDF Ranks and the Recent Change in Top Leadership
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