Family Reveals Little Known Details of KDF Journalist Killed in Chopper Crash

The family of the late Sergeant Rose Nyawira who died in a tragic Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) helicopter crash has revealed details of how the journalist aspired to join the forces after attaining her university degree.

Sergeant Nyawira was among the nine soldiers who were confirmed to have passed on alongside the late Chief of Defense Forces (CDF) General Francis Ogolla.

Nyawira’s father Peter Wachira Kariuki while speaking to the press on Saturday, April 20, 2024, in Kirinyaga County noted that he noticed his daughter’s interest in journalism back during her days in High School.

He further highlighted that Sergeant Nyawira socialized with other students and had a very good command of the English language.

“After finishing her High School, she said that she wanted to pursue a course in journalism. She went on to join Multimedia University where she enrolled as a journalism student,” he said.

The father then said that his daughter engaged in many social events within the community after finishing her studies, where she practised her photography skills.

Sergeant Nyawira praised

According to him, Sergeant Nyawira was a jovial person who strived to ensure that all things went her way.

Also Read: Meet Survivor of KDF Chopper Crash That Killed CDF Ogolla

The father, at the same time, added that the deceased was the third born of four siblings and was the only one who had enrolled in KDF among them.

While expressing grief over the loss, he further indicated that the late officer was a mother of one.

“She was here on Sunday, and we had a great time together. I also saw her off despite the heavy rains.  We will miss her,” said Kariuki.

On his part, Nyawira’s uncle revealed that his niece whom they had a personal relationship approached him expressing her wish to join the forces after attaining her journalism degree.

“When she joined the media, she came to me and told me that she wanted to join the forces. I told her that if she wanted to join, all she had to do was to put in effort in her studies,” he revealed.

He stated that Nyawira, who was hailed for her photography skills, applied to join KDF after attaining her studies.

Rise to the top

Upon succeeding in the recruitment and securing entry into the forces, she went on to practice and advance her journalism skills which saw her rise to become CDF Ogolla’s photographer.

The family members while revealing details about the burial ceremony noted that it was met with shock following the passing on of their kin.

“We thought it was a joke until our uncle confirmed her passing. My sister, Ogolla’s photographer, had a very bright future,” said Martin Kinyua the brother.

Also Read: Last Moments of Late CDF Ogolla Before KDF Chopper Crash

They further said that the late will be laid to rest at a later day next week after all preparations are concluded.

CDF Ogolla’s Chopper Crash

Elsewhere in the same County of Kirinyaga, the family of Senior Sergeant John Kinyua Muriithi is mourning the death of its son who also died in the crash.

Kinyua’s father while speaking to the press said that he received the sad news on Thursday night adding that he could not come to terms with his son’s passing.

“I am in so much pain,” he said.

The two officers were among the nine soldiers who passed on along the late General Ogolla in a chopper crash on April 18, 2024.

President William Ruto while confirming the details of the crash in a state address on noted that the General Ogolla and eleven other officers were on a mission in Elgeyo Marakwet County.