The Azimio la Umoja Coalition has initiated the process of undertaking a joint inquiry into the death of the late Chief of Defence Forces, General Francis Ogolla.
Speaking in a press briefing, National Assembly Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi expressed Azimio Party’s dissatisfaction with the committee tasked with leading the investigation into the late General Francis Ogolla’s death.
Consequently, the Coalition has revealed its intention to push for formal inquiry involving members of both houses of parliament.
“We have observed worrying signs. Mr. (William) Ruto established a separate investigation team, distinct from the one gazetted by Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen in the Gazette notice dated 8th April 2024,” Wandayi pointed out.
Azimio Calls for Judicial Inquest
Wandayi further declared that Azimio had authorized Mathare Member of Parliament and Kitui County Senator to spearhead the establishment of a joint parliamentary meeting to oversee the probe.
“I must hasten to add that we have authorized honorable MP Antony Oluoch and Senator Enock Wambua to lead a process of establishing a joint parliamentary inquiry involving both the Senate and the National Assembly into the unfortunate death of General Ogolla,” he stated.
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“Further Parliamentary Group calls for a Judicial inquest into the accident and death as opposed to mere investigation led by the military that is close to civilians.”
Azimio also insisted on independent representation for the families of the victims in both the investigation and the inquest.
Opposition Leaders Raised Questions Over Ogolla’s Death
Earlier, the Coalition had raised three critical questions regarding the air crash that claimed the lives of 10 people, including CDF Ogolla.
In a press statement on Friday, April 19, the coalition’s leaders demanded answers on whether it was necessary for the CDF to personally inspect construction of classrooms.
Also among the questions raised by the opposition faction was whether the chopper involved in the crash was the official aircraft designated for General Ogolla’s transport.
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“Is it routine for a CDF to inspect classroom construction or was it a directive from somewhere?” read the statement by Azimio.
“Was it normal for him to be in a chopper with so many other military personnel? Was this his designated chopper and if not where was his designated chopper?”
As part of its recommendations, Azimio wanted the government to include international investigators and experts to ensure the cause of the accident is established.
“We therefore call for a time bound public inquiry and no effort or resources should be spared including securing the services of international experts or investigators to get the bottom of this matter as it raises grave concerns,” Azimio recommended.
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