KDF requiem mass pays homage to CDF Ogolla and other crash victims

The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) on Thursday led a solemn memorial service in honour of the late Chief of Defence Forces, General Francis Ogolla, and nine other service members who died in a helicopter crash in Elgeyo Marakwet County on April 18 last year.

The emotional ceremony, held at Moi Air Base in Eastleigh, brought together military leaders, families, and colleagues in remembrance of the fallen.

The nine who died alongside General Ogolla were Brigadier Swalleh Saidi, Colonel Duncan Keitany, Lieutenant Colonel David Sawe, Major George Magondu, Captain Mohammed Sora, Captain Hillary Litali, Senior Sergeant John Mureithi, Sergeant Cliphonce Omondi, and Sergeant Rose Nyawira.

They had been on an official visit to the North Rift region, where a joint security operation led by the National Police Service is underway to tackle banditry.

General Charles Kahariri, who now leads the KDF, attended the requiem mass along with the heads of the army, air force, and navy.

Family members of the deceased were also present at the service, which was marked by prayers, tributes, and shared moments of grief.

The helicopter crash happened shortly after takeoff from Cheptulel Boys High School.

The aircraft, a Bell UH-1H-II Iroquois, went down in a community farm known as 'Shamba la Amani' at approximately 14:20 hours.

According to a report released by the Ministry of Defence, the helicopter burst into flames upon impact.

Area residents, alongside KDF personnel from the nearby Samu Forward Operating Base (FOB), evacuated the passengers and extinguished the fire.

Four survivors of the crash were airlifted by Hughes MD 500 helicopters to Endo Health Centre.

Regrettably, two succumbed to their injuries, while the remaining two were later transferred to Eldoret Regional Hospital (ERH).

"The ten bodies were subsequently flown to Nairobi," the report said.

The memorial brought to light the personal pain and collective sorrow shared by the military community and the affected families.

Corporal Frankford Karanja Mogire, one of the two survivors, has since resumed duties at the Strategic Communications Unit of the KDF, where he serves as a photographer.

The KDF clarified that he is attached to the press team of the Chief of Defence Forces, addressing misleading reports circulating online.

The ceremony was not only a tribute to the fallen but also a space for reflection and unity.

"The memorial served as a time of reflection, remembrance, and unity, offering strength and spiritual comfort to bereaved families. During the interdenominational service, clergy urged families to lean on faith and each other, assuring them that though their loved ones were gone in body, their spirits endure," a KDF statement read.

General Kahariri described the day as one of shared remembrance, noting that the loss of the ten officers had left a deep gap.

He acknowledged their dedication and sacrifice and expressed appreciation to their families for their courage.

"Your resilience and strength continue to inspire the KDF and the entire country," he said.

Speaking for the bereaved families, Charles Magondu, father to the late Major George Magondu, expressed both sorrow and gratitude.

He thanked the KDF leadership and community for their ongoing support, which he said had helped the families to cope during the difficult year following the tragedy.

Colonel Kasaine Ole Kuruta, the second survivor of the crash, also addressed those gathered, sharing a deeply emotional reflection on his physical and emotional recovery journey.

Major General Fatuma Ahmed, who commands the Kenya Air Force, paid tribute to her fallen colleagues, noting that her branch had suffered the most loss in the incident.

She described the deceased as brave and forward-looking leaders who served the nation with honour.

"She emphasised that the strength of the KDF lies not only in its operational capability but also in its unity, resilience, and shared values, especially during times of tragedy," read the KDF statement.