Major Benson Magondu: 29-Year-Old ‘A’ Student Tasked with Flying General Ogolla

For Major Benson Magondu, the pilot commanding the Kenya Defense Forces helicopter that crashed on April 18, the sky was never the limit.

At the age of 29, the Moi Forces Academy and Kenyatta University alumnus had shot to the rank of a Major in the KDF and was assigned the role of flying military’s top brass.

According to his family, the late Magondu held a dream of rising to the position of the Chief of Defense Forces in his career before the April 18 air crash at Kaben brought everything to a grinding halt.

His close relatives who spoke to the media shared memories that defined his life including his exemplary performance in his high school education where he scored a straight A in the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE). 

Magondu’s passion for flying, his mother recalled, began back in his childhood days.

While at the Moi Forces Academy, the young Magondu would keenly observe and even master the specific types of aircraft based on their appearance and engine sound. 

His journey in the military started when he applied to join KDF as a cadet. He would then undertake a combined military studies and a flying course at Kenyatta University.

Upon completion, Magondu was posted to the Nanyuki Air Base in Laikipia County for his first assignment as a military man.

How Major Magondu joined the military

The late pilot would later enroll for another piloting course in South Africa which opened paths for his career progression.

After his graduation, Magondu returned to Kenya and was posted at the Moi Air Base. 

He also earned scholarships in institutions in the United States of America and Jordan for refresher courses in his aviation career.

Also Read: Murkomen Explains Why He Can’t Investigate KDF Chopper Crash

By the time of his death, Magondu had risen to the rank of Major, the seventh rank in military hierarchy, and a distinguished pilot.

Besides flying General Francis Ogolla, Magondu also had the privilege of flying senior government officials including Defense Cabinet Secretary and Deputy President.

Speaking amid preparations for his burial, Magondu’s mother described his son as a visionary young man who was determined to rise to the peak of his military career.

“He used to say he would become the head of defense forces,” his mother recalled.

She further revealed her son’s love for his family, noting that he acted as a 40-year-old man in the way he looked after his children.

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

Last flight for Major Benson Magondu

On the fateful day on Thursday, April 18, his parents learned about his death via his wife after the tragic crash at Kaben in Elgeyo Marakwet County.

The Major and pilot of the Bell Huey military helicopter had been part of a team comprising KDF officials including the later General Ogolla that had traversed various counties in the North Rift to inspect various projects.

According to the mother, Benson had sustained a deep cut in his face after the accident and was rushed to the hospital for treatment.

Magondu is survived by his three children and a wife who is also in the military.

According to the family, the fallen pilot will be laid to rest in Karimenu,  Laikipia County later this week.

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