Transport Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kipchumba Murkomen has established a seven-member Aircraft Accident Investigation Team following an alarm raised over increasing cases of air crashes in the country.
In a gazette notice, the CS appointed Captain Peter Maranga to lead the team as chairperson and Engineer Fredrick Aggrey Opot as vice chairperson of the investigation team.
Other members of the team include Captain Nduati Herman Njama, Lieutenant Colonel Mike Mulwa, Ephantus Kamau, Captain Valentine Wendoh, and Captain Martyn Lunani.
Further, Murkomen chose Brenda Mwango as their joint secretary.
Also Read: Ruto Reveals Details of Phone Call with Duale After KDF Chopper Crash
Murkomen Gives Directive to the Team Over Chopper Crashes
The Transport CS gave the team three months to conduct investigations into the latest cases of air crashes, including doing a review of accidents involving Kenyan-registered aircraft presented by the Republic of South Sudan and Somalia.
“Review all the preliminary accident reports for accidents involving Kenya registered and/or operated aircraft presented by the Republic of South Sudan and the Federal Republic of Somalia for the last five years,” the notice indicated.
At the same time, the team was tasked with investigating any other incidents related to the accidents and come up with recommendations for prevention.
“Investigate any other matter relating to or consequential to the accidents and make appropriate recommendations for prevention of recurrence and to improve aviation safety in Kenya,” added Murkomen.
Also, the Captain Peter Maranga led team was asked to investigate all the air misses in Kenya for the last three years; and recommend action taken to avoid the recurrence.
“The investigation team shall conclude its work within three (3) months of this appointment and submit a comprehensive report to the Cabinet Secretary,” added the notice.
Also Read: 5 Questions Raised Over Chopper Crash that Killed CDF Ogolla
CDF Francis Ogolla Dies in Plane Crash
On April 18, President William Ruto confirmed the death of Chief of Defense Forces (CDF) Francis Ogolla in a chopper crash while on a tour in West Pokot County.
While making the announcement, President William Ruto expressed his remorse to the families of the CDF and other officers who passed on in an air crash.
“Today at 2:20 pm, our nation suffered a tragic air accident in Elgeyo Marakwet County. I am deeply saddened to announce the passing on of General Francis Omondi Ogolla, the Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF).”
“Together with him in the crash were 11 others military personnel, nine who also passed on with him and two survivors,” announced Ruto.
Ogolla passed away at the age of 61 and is survived by a wife and two children.
