Major Benson Magondu, the pilot who was in command of the ill-fated Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) helicopter Bell UH-1H Huey, has been hailed as a brave and outstanding soldier by his family.
His loved ones have said that he was deeply passionate about his profession and was ambitious about attaining the position of Chief of Defense Forces (CDF).
However, an obituary placed in a local daily by the family to announce his death and burial dates has revealed additional information about Major Magondu’s relatives, several of whom hold various positions within the Ministry of Defense.
Magondu, born on September 21, 1993, was the youngest son in his family. He attended Moi Forces Academy and got an A grade in the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exam. He then later joined the military after successfully passing the cadets’ recruitment process.
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Major Benson Magondu’s Family Tree
He was the son of Charles Magondu Wachira, who works at the Kahawa Garrison School, and Mary Wambui who worked at Standard Group PLC, in the Graphic and Design department for 25 years before she left in 2010.
He is survived by his wife Captain Brenda Atieno Okello who is also a KDF officer, and three children.
According to the obituary, Magondu’s sister Judy Nyokabi Magondu works at the American Embassy, while his brothers-in-law Fred Okello and Erick Okello are officers with the Kenya Police.
Further, his in-laws Ronny Okello, Sharon Okello, Purity Okello, and Yvonne Okello are all officers in the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) while his in-law Gordon Okello works at Kenya Airways (KQ).
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Ogolla’s Pilot KDF Journey and Burial
Following his initial training, the late pilot pursued further piloting courses in South Africa, which provided opportunities for career advancement. When he completed his studies, Magondu came back to Kenya and was stationed at the Moi Air Base.
He later received scholarships to attend refresher courses in aviation from institutions in the United States of America and Jordan.
At the time of his death, Magondu had risen to the rank of Major, the seventh rank in the military hierarchy, and was a distinguished pilot who was also flying senior government officials including Defense Cabinet Secretary and Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
According to his mother, Benson sustained a deep cut in his face after the accident and was rushed to the hospital for treatment.
The funeral of the late soldier was set to take place on Saturday April 27, 2024, at his Karemeno home in Kieni constituency, Nyeri county.
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