Several senior Kenya Defense forces (KDF) officers have been involved in a chopper accident while on a mission in Elgeyo Marakwet County.
Preliminary reports indicated that the Kenya Air Force (KAF) helicopter which crashed on the afternoon of April 18, 2024, while taking off, had more than 9 people on board.
Police reported that the area has since been cordoned off as rescue missions were launched. A Police report by Elgeyo Marakwet County Commandant Peter Mulinge confirmed the incident indicating that five occupants had been confirmed dead in the crash while about three survived.
Photos seen by The Kenya Times showed the debris of the chopper on fire while others showed the chopper captured moments before it took off.
The cause of the accident had not yet been established by the time of publishing this article.
Govt confirms KDF Chopper crash
Government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura in a statement said that an official communication concerning the crash shall be issued soon.
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He further urged the public to stay calm and avoid any speculation whatsoever at this critical juncture.
“Dear fellow Kenyans. An official communication concerning the Military Aircraft Crash shall be issued soon. Let’s stay calm and avoid any speculation whatsoever at this critical juncture,” read part of the statement.
On his part State House spokesperson Hussein Mohamed announced that President William Ruto has since convened an urgent meeting of the National Security Council at State House Nairobi.
The meeting has been convened to assess the situation, with the Council led by the President set to make a statement to the country.
“President William Ruto has convened an urgent meeting of the National Security Council at State House Nairobi this evening following a Kenya Defence Forces’ helicopter crash this afternoon in Elgeyo-Marakwet County,” said Mohamed.
The Council is chaired by the Ministry of Defense Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale.
Reactions
A section of notable leaders both inside and outside parliament reacted to the news about the crash, with a majority expressing their concern over the safety of Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Francis Ogolla who is feared to be among the crew members.
National Assembly majority leader Kimani Ichung’wa during a live parliament session confirmed the crash, urging the public to avoid any speculations.
“All that I can confirm is that it’s indeed true that there has been a crash of a KDF helicopter which we have seen in the news. Being responsible leaders also, we do not want to speculate as to the cause of the crash, we are all awaiting news,” he said.
Ichung’wa further noted that the number of people who had lost their lives and those who had survived had since been reported, urging the public to leave the matter to the military.
According to him, KDF officials were already on the ground to confirm how many have lost their lives and how many survived.
The majority leader’s remarks came after Mbita Member of Parliament (MP) Millie Odhiambo asked him to allay fears within members of the house whether the reports were true.
“I think it would be appropriate as a House not to proceed with the Land Commission Bill when we are having such a serious issue of national interest. Can he confirm whether the issue of the crash is true, or it is merely a rumor?” she said.
Former nominated senator Millicent Omanga on her part reacted, “Let’s keep CDF General Francis Ogolla and his team in our sincere prayers.”
CDF Ogolla
Seasoned lawyer Miguna Miguna also reacted noting that he was praying that General Ogolla is well.
CDF Ogolla took command of the military in early May 2023 when former General Robert Kibochi retired after 44 years of military service.
General Ogolla was appointed by President William Ruto among a list of about 10 nominees who were looking forward to filling in the vacant post.
Ogolla trained as a fighter pilot before rising through the ranks to become commander of the Kenya Air Force. Prior to this appointment he was the vice chief of the KDF.
Also Read: KDF Boss Francis Ogolla Reveals His Life Outside Military
General Ogolla who is a highly experienced KDF senior officer joined the military in 1984.
He was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in 1985 and posted to Kenya Air Force where he started his career as a fighter pilot.
The CDF also trained with the United States Air Force as an instructor and fighter pilot, receiving training on counterterrorism, imagery intelligence, and accident investigation.
Through his dedication to continuous learning and professional development, the General rose through the military ranks, getting various promotions over the years.
