The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) team investigating the death of the late Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Francis Ogolla has made progress in trying to unravel how the chopper carrying the General came down on April 18, 2024.
In a document sent to the media, Brigadier Mohamed Salah, Base Commander of Laikipia Air Base, stated that they had already commenced investigations and had grilled individuals to establish the cause of the aircraft accident that killed Ogolla and nine other military personnel.
As of May 24, KDF reported that the team had questioned Kenya Air Force (KAF) Huey pilots who had flown the ill-fated aircraft, as well as Lieutenant Colonel Kasaine Ole Kuruta and Corporal Frankford Karanja, who survived the plane crash.
The team also questioned witnesses at the crash site and first responders on the day of the accident.
Additionally, the team mentioned that they had recovered items from the crash sites and engaged experts with diverse professional competences to assess a wide range of factors that may have led to the accident.
Aircraft Manufacturers
KDF stated that the team had contacted the aircraft manufacturer, which is standard practice in such situations.
However, Bell, the manufacturer of the plane, did not comment on the situation, stating that they cannot comment on ongoing investigations.
President William Ruto announced Ogolla’s death on April 18 and stated that KAF had constituted and dispatched an air investigation team to establish the cause of the accident.
The team comprises aviation specialists such as pilots, technicians, engineers, and forensic experts, among others.
Also Read: CDF Francis Ogolla Attended Class with Gen Z’s – Lorna Ogolla
Francis Ogolla Death Investigations Demands
Opposition leader Raila Odinga demanded speedy investigations to establish the cause of the chopper crash that killed CDF Franci Ogolla and the other nine KDF officers.
Additionally, Raila expressed concerns about the condition of helicopters and other equipment used by security officers.
“Many near death encounters have occurred with the security aircrafts. We may never know what exactly brought down the helicopter in which the general died,” Raila said.
“It is our prayer that this tragedy may mark the beginning of a serious relook into our security equipment, especially the aircraft with a view to undertaking a complete overhaul and modernization of the equipment. That was the General’s vision,” he added.
He emphasized the need for thorough, professional, and transparent investigations into the deaths, stating that Kenyans deserve it.
Also Read: Ruto Appoints New CDF After General Ogolla’s Death
Judicial & Parliamentary Inquiries
The opposition also called for both judicial and parliamentary inquiries into the helicopter crash.
Azimio opposed the investigation led by the military and demanded that families of the victims be independently represented in the investigation and inquest.
A military honour ceremony was held at Ulinzi Complex on April 20 before General Ogolla was laid to rest at his Siaya home the following day.
On May 2, President Ruto promoted Lieutenant General Charles Muriu Kahariri to the rank of General and appointed him as the CDF.
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