The Azimio la Umoja Coalition has raised three critical questions regarding the air crash that claimed the lives of 10 people, among them Chief of Defense Forces Francis Ogolla.
In a press statement on Friday, April 19, the coalition’s leaders demanded an answer on whether the CDF needed to inspect construction of classrooms.
In the statement, Azimio noted that Kenyans were curious to know why the CDF’s involvement was necessary and whether or not it was a directive from somewhere.
Azimio also tasked the government to clarify on the question of whether it was normal for a person of General Ogolla’s stature to travel in a chopper with so many other military personnel.
Also, among the questions raised by the opposition faction was one on whether the chopper involved in the crash was the official aircraft designated for General Ogolla’s transport.
“Is it routine for a CDF to inspect classroom construction or was it a directive from somewhere?” read the statement by Azimio.
“Was it normal for him to be in a chopper with so many other military personnel? Was this his designated chopper and if not where was his designated chopper?”
In the statement, Azimio called for the establishment of a public inquiry to investigate the cause and circumstances that led to the tragic crash.
Azimio asks for international experts in investigations
As part of its recommendations, Azimio wants the government to include international investigators and experts to ensure the cause of the accident is established.
“We therefore call for a time bound public inquiry and no effort or resources should be spared including securing the services of international experts or investigators to get the bottom of this matter as it raises grave concerns,” Azimio recommended.
The leaders spoke after visiting General Ogolla’s family in Nairobi where leaders including Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party Leader Raila Odinga, Wiper’s Kalonzo Musyoka, and Martha Karua of NARC Kenya were present.
“Even as we mourn, I wish to pose a challenge to the government. There has been long running concern about the state of helicopters and other equipment being used by our security sector,” stated Odinga.
Calls for Investigations
At the same time, the Opposition Chief called for a probe into the tragedy.
“The government owes this country a thorough, professional and transparent investigations into this death. Only such an investigation will put the family and the whole nation at peace,” Ruto said.
Earlier, Retired Chief Justice Willy Mutunga recommended an inquiry into the air crash as speculations and questions continue to linger.
“Given the tragedy that engulfs our country now, a country of rumours and ethnic divisions, it is a good idea to immediately set up a Commission of Inquiry that has robust public participation. An Inquiry that is seen as a cover up is unacceptable,” said the former CJ.
General Ogolla and nine other occupants of a Kenya Air Force chopper died in Elgeyo Marakwet County.
The chopper they were travelling in crashed shortly after taking off from the area where Ogolla led an inspection of key projects including rehabilitation of classrooms in schools ravaged by bandit activities.
While announcing Ogolla’s death on Thursday, President William Ruto assured that investigations were underway to unearth details in the crash. A team of detectives on Friday arrived at the crash scene to commence the investigations even as some families proceeded to bury their kin.
