10 officers perished in a crash involving a Huey UH -1 helicopter tail no. KAF 1501 at Sindar, Kaben in Elgeiyo Marakwet County on Thursday.

“Following the tragic air crash, KDF has, together with the families of our departed comrades, continued to plan and participate in memorial services and burial ceremonies. This is done guided by military protocols and honours, the wishes of the fallen comrade and their family. Officers and service members have been assigned to support the families during this phase of mourning,” KDF stated.

To date, three soldiers have been laid to rest, including General Francis Ogolla (Chief of Defence Forces), Brigadier Swale Saidi (Brigade Commander, Engineers Brigade), and Captain Mohamed Sora (Pilot, No. 53 Squadron).

On Wednesday, April 24, 2024, the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) will conduct a requiem mass at Moi Air Base in Eastleigh, Nairobi County.

Subsequently, Sergeant Rose Nyawira, a KDF photographer, will be laid to rest on Thursday, April 25, 2024, in Kagio Village, Kirinyaga County.

On Friday, April 26, 2024, Senior Sergeant John Mureithi, an air technician stationed at the Moi Air Base, will be laid to rest in Kirimunge Village, Kanyeki Location, Kirinyaga County.

Colonel Duncan Keitany, serving as Colonel Operations at the Defence Headquarters, will be buried on Saturday, April 27, 2024, in Saos Village, Eldama Ravine, Baringo County.

Similarly, Major George Magondu, a Pilot based at the Moi Air Base, will be honored with a funeral service on Saturday, April 27, 2024, in Karemeno Village, Kieni Constituency, Nyeri County.

Lieutenant Colonel David Sawe, serving as a works maintenance officer at the Defence Headquarters Infrastructure department, will be laid to rest on Tuesday, April 30, 2024, in Kabkorio village, Sarora Location, Nandi North Sub County, Nandi County.

Sergeant Cliphonce Omondi, who served as personal security for Chief of Defence Forces Francis Ogolla, will be honored with a burial ceremony on Friday, May 3, 2024, in Ndiwo Village, West Alego Location, Siaya County.

Lastly, Captain Hillary Litali, who held the position of aide-de-camp to the Chief of Defence Forces, will be laid to rest on Saturday, May 11, 2024, in Ndalu Scheme, Tongaren Constituency, Bungoma County.

“May the Almighty Lord, accept them in heaven and keep them in eternal peace May the Lord comfort all those who were close and dear to our departed comrades. Fare Thee Well Comrades Our Deepest Condolences.”

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Police said the constable Sydney Sarro was on Ngiya-Nyangoma road at Nyangoma shopping center when the accident happened.

He was on a police vehicle and he and his colleagues were proceeding on burial coverage of late Gen Ogola when he jumped from the said motor vehicle.

As a result of the accident, he sustained head injuries and was rushed to Siaya county referral hospital where he died while undergoing treatment.

The body was moved to the same facility morgue awaiting autopsy.

Gen Ogolla was buried at a ceremony at his home in an event attended by among others President William Ruto.

In the same area, a soldier attached to Kenya Air Force died in a road accident around Nyamonye area along Bondo-Usenge road on Sunday night.

Paytone Mitch Opiyo died alongside a motorcyclist Richard Omondi after a head-on collision involving two motorcycles, police said.

Siaya County Police Commander Cleti Kimaiyo, said the soldier was riding a motorcycle while carrying his brother Felix Opiyo and were heading towards Bondo from Usenge.

On reaching the location of the accident, he collided head-on with an oncoming motorcycle.

The soldier who is said to have been off duty and the other rider both died on the spot.

Police say fatal accidents are on the rise and reckless driving is among the cause of the trend.

Statistics indicate that 32 percent of road accident fatalities involve boda boda riders, while pedestrians account for 38 percent of fatalities on Kenyan roads.

Recent data from National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) show that at least 1,213 people have been killed in road accidents in the past three months.

Pedestrians account for the largest number of fatalities at 445, followed by motorcyclists at 285 and passengers at 259. According to the data captured between January and April 3, pillion (motorcycle) passengers came fourth at 103 followed by drivers (99) and pedal cyclists (24).

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Addressing attendees at his father’s burial ceremony in Ng’iya, Siaya County, Rabuku emphasized that the two leaders shared a sincere and productive working relationship, despite rumors circulating on social media suggesting otherwise.

He pointed to occasions where President Ruto hosted the Chief of Defence Forces at State House, underscoring the effective collaboration that ensued from their partnership.

“Today, I want to talk about the son of Alego. Your Excellency, until yesterday, people were speculating (on why the President appointed him). I want to clear the air with the conversations I had with my father about his time with the President,” Rabuku said.

“He did not really divulge any national security issues. The President did not have to appoint him and initially, he saw his competencies and decided this is the man for the job. Quickly, they became friends and formed a serious chemistry which he would tell me about. It is not the President alone but the deputy president as well.”

“I want to clear the air about my father’s time with the President. I know President Ruto’s tears yesterday were genuine,” he added.

“People should stop rumours. These guys were friends at State House. My father told me he loved the President and they were good friends.”

He also criticized certain publications, which he categorized as bloggers, for their mishandling of the news surrounding the helicopter crash that resulted in the loss of 10 lives.

Without explicitly naming the offenders, he contended that the way in which the images of the helicopter were disseminated was lacking in sensitivity.

“When my mother called and told me that your father had gone down in a helicopter crash, there are so useless bloggers so quick to post pictures. I have been told that my father has gone down and 10 minutes later, I am seeing a helicopter burning. What does that mean, of course, he is dead,” he said.

“People are so insensitive. So you broke the News, have you received an honour for breaking the news that the general is dead? Let us be sensitive.”

On Saturday, Dr Ruto clarified that he met with Ogolla to discuss the conduct of the General Election before Ogolla’s subsequent appointment as CDF.

Ruto stated that during the meeting, the late General presented him with three options, one of which was a plea for forgiveness.

“General Ogolla told me the following, Mr President, I have no defence, I will not try to defend myself, what happened was wrong,” revealed the president.

“You can either send me to court-martial, have me retire, or forgive me.”

Ruto, however, opted to appoint based on merit, disregarding suggestions to select a general from his tribe, despite it being presented to him as a safer choice.

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He also missed the military lavish ceremony at the Ulinzi Sports Complex, Lang’ata in Nairobi on Saturday.

This is because he has been out of the country since last Thursday.

Uhuru is said to be in the US at his former college- Amherst College where he is scheduled to receive an honorary degree.

“He is at the Amherst College where he had been invited to receive a honorary degree and that is why he has not attended the events. Gen Ogolla was his man,” said an official close to Uhuru.

The official said Uhuru will mourn Gen Ogolla when he comes back.

Uhuru had sent a statement mourning Gen Ogolla saying the CDF was not only an accomplished military leader, but also a devoted patriot who dedicated his life to serving and protecting our beloved country.

“His leadership, bravery, and unwavering commitment to duty have made a lasting impact on our armed forces and our nation as a whole.”

“As the Head of State, I had the privilege of serving with General Ogolla as Deputy Commander of the Kenya Air Force, Commander of the Kenya Air Force, and finally as Vice Chief of Defence Forces,” he said.

“During this period of mourning, please accept my sincere condolences and heartfelt sympathies to the family, friends, and colleagues of the other officers of the ill-fated flight.”

Gen Ogolla is the first Chief of Defence Forces to die while in office and on active military duty. He was the 10th military chief.

President William Ruto, the Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces, will preside over the ceremony ahead of the burial on Sunday at Gen Ogolla’s Ng’iya home in Siaya County.

General Ogolla was killed in a helicopter crash in Kaben area on the border of Elgeyo Marakwet and West Pokot counties on Thursday.

Nine other officers died with him and Ruto ordered flags to be flown at half-mast for three days of national mourning.

The military will take charge of the funeral on Sunday.

In keeping with military tradition, Gen Ogolla was Saturday given a military send-off as the most senior officer in the Kenya Defence Forces.

At the heart of the ceremony was a complete military honour that will begin with the military reveille, traditionally used to wake soldiers for duty, but in death, appropriated to mean hope in the afterlife.

“The purpose of Reveille in Commonwealth military tradition is to wake up the sleeping soldiers. Sentries would be strategically placed in depositions during the night to warn the main force of enemy infiltration. The sounding of Reveille would signal the duty officers had completed their inspection of the perimeter and sentries would be able to stand down,” says an explanation by the Australian military, which follows British military traditions

The word Reveille is derived from the French word ‘reveillez’, meaning to ‘wake-up’.

The British origins of these bugle call meant, the soldiers’ days began with buglers playing Reveille and ended with the sounds of the Last Post.

The reveille will be followed by a one-minute silence during which all the people gathered are expected to reflect deeply on the death of the general and the sacrifice that he has made for the country.

It traces its origin to the 1800s when most of the soldiers did not have wrist watches to regulate their activities for the day. They relied on it to wake up and start their daily activities.

The Last Post, one of the most popular military short musical call played using the bugle or the trumpet will also be played to symbolise the final journey of the general and the end of his duty.

Its solemn and mournful melody reminds the mourners of the ultimate sacrifice made by the soldier in serving the nation. It became a common place on the battlefield conflicts in the Boer War and the First World War. It was first performed during the inauguration of the Menin Gate memorial in 1927.

Traditionally, the last post is played to signify that the duty officer has completed their inspection and secured the military camp for the night.

The post Why Uhuru Will Not Attend Gen Ogolla’s Funeral  appeared first on KahawaTungu.

CDF Ogolla died along with nine other Kenya Defence Forces personnel in a military helicopter crash in Elgeyo Marakwet County on Thursday.

Two others on board the aircraft survived.

“In the demise of General Ogolla, Kenya and indeed the entire East African Community (EAC) have lost an accomplished General. Our hearts are with the bereaved families. May the souls of the departed Rest in Peace,” Gen Kainerugaba said in a statement.

Gen Kainerugaba is the only son of Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni.

President Museveni appointed General Kainerugaba as Chief of Defence Forces in March 2024 in a round of appointments and promotions.

Before his sudden and tragic death, Gen Ogolla had a busy day overseeing a peacekeeping mission and inspecting the renovation of five schools in the Elgeyo Marakwet region.

The accident occurred while he was on his way to another public engagement in Eldoret.

Tanzania president Suluhu Hassan and Rwanda’s Paul Kagame also mourned Gen Ogolla.

The government has decided to honour his wishes to be buried within 72 hours of his death and announced he will be laid to rest at his home in Ng’iya village, Siaya County.

The Kenya Defence Forces held their own event to honour their late boss with a Military Honours ceremony conducted Saturday, April 20, 2024.

The Military Honours ceremony were held at the Ulinzi Sports Complex in Lang’ata.

The late CDF is survived by his widow, Aileen Kathambi Ogolla, two children, Lorna Achieng Omondi and Joel Rabuku Omondi Ogolla, a daughter-in-law, Muthoni Njenga Mwaura and a grandson, Taji Mbarara.

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Oduor revealed that the Sunday, Apr 21 burial will be very simple, which is why Gen Ogolla wished to be interred within 72 hours of his passing.

He further shared that his brother had even shown him the exact spot for his burial near his house in Mor village, Siaya County.

Gen Ogolla envisioned a simple ritual burial akin to Muslim practices, where he will be wrapped in sheets, a decision made to alleviate what he described as unnecessary pressure on the family.

Despite the simplicity of the burial, other Luo rituals will be observed.

Gen Ogolla and nine other military officers and servicemen died in a helicopter crash on Thursday, April 18 in the Sindar area, Kaben location, Tot division, in Elgeyo Marakwet County.

Together with him in the crash were eleven other military personnel, nine who also passed on and two survivors.
Among the dead were Brig Swale Saidi, Colonel Duncan Keittany, Lieutenant Colonel David Sawe, Major George Benson Magondu, Captain Sora Mohamed, Captain Hillary Litali, Senior Sergeant John Kinyua Mureithi, Sergeant Cliphonce Omondi, and Sergeant Rose Nyawira.
The CDF, onboard the Kenya Air Force Huey Helicopter, had left Nairobi Thursday morning, to visit troops deployed in the North Rift under Operation Maliza Uhalifu.

Oduor invited those who wish to mourn with them to join either in spirit or physically, assuring that there is enough food for all types of visitors.

Gen Ogolla’s sister, Peris Onyango, revealed that her brother was very prepared for death.

She shared that anytime he visited, he would describe to her how his burial should look like, despite her attempts to dissuade him from such thoughts.

She added that her brother consistently insisted that death is a reality, especially for soldiers like him who stare death in the face in the line of duty.

“The sudden death has thrown the entire community into a state of disarray as Ogolla was a philanthropist,” said Onyango.

She described her late brother as very generous and someone who listened to the problems affecting villagers.

“He helped the church and ensured its completion, provided a water borehole, and rewarded the schools he attended,” she said.

In Nairobi, officials said Ogolla will be accorded a Military Honours ceremony complete with a military parade, and a 19-gun salute a day before his burial on Sunday, April 21.

The government has decided to honour his wishes to be buried within 72 hours of his death and announced he will be laid to rest at his home in Ngiya village, Siaya County.

The Kenya Defence Forces will hold their event to honour their late boss with a Military Honours ceremony to be conducted tomorrow, Saturday, April 20, 2024.

Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said the Military Honours ceremony will be held at the Ulinzi Sports Complex in Lang’ata from 1 pm.

“The honours will include a church service, military parade and a 19-gun salute. President William Ruto, the Commander-in-Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces, will attend the ceremony,” said Duale.

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Below are Burial Proceedings Photos of the late Brigadier Swale Saidi at Utange Grounds Mombasa.

May his Soul Rest in Peace

The post Photos: Burial of the late Brigadier Swale Saidi at Utange Grounds Mombasa appeared first on KahawaTungu.

In a statement, the CS said a Military Honours ceremony will be conducted on Saturday at the Ulinzi Sports Complex in Lang’ata from 1 pm in honour of the fallen soldier.

The honours will include a church service, military parade and a 19-gun salute.

“Following the Thursday 18 April, 2024, Kenya Defence Forces’ fatal helicopter air crash, leading to the passing on of the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) General Francis Omondi Ogolla and nine officers, burial preparations have begun,” said Duale.

According to the minister, the CDF will be buried on Sunday at his home in Ng’iya village. Siaya County, in accordance with his wishes.

Duale also revealed that an autopsy had been conducted on the CDF’s remains at the Mashujaa Funeral Home at the Defence Forces Memorial Hospital.

Ogolla’s burial will be attended by high ranking political figures including President William Ruto, his deputy Rigathi Gachagua, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, among others.

Also expected at the funeral will be senior government officials, the leadership of Parliament, the Judiciary, political leaders, commanders of the security sector and members of the Diplomatic Corps.

“The following day, on Sunday April 21, 2024, the remains of General Ogolla will be airlifted to Ng’iya village, Alego Usonga Sub-county. Siaya County, for burial on the same day. This will be preceded by a church service at his local church in Nduru,” added Duale.

Additionally, a memorial service will be held on Friday April 26, 2024, at the Ulinzi Sports Complex, Lang’ata, in line with the wishes of the family.

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He and nine other military officers and servicemen died in a helicopter crash on Thursday April 18 in Sindar area, Kaben location, Tot division, in Elgeyo Marakwet County.

According to those aware of the plans, the plane carrying Gen Ogolla was to fly from the scene in Chesegon for the Recruits Training School in Uasin Gishu County, where he was scheduled to inspect construction facilities at the institution.

From Eldoret, he was to fly to Kisumu where his wife was waiting for him.

He and the wife were to visit Kisumu governor Prof Anyang Nyong’o on Friday.

“General Ogolla was to be my guest tomorrow, April 19. He was set to pay me a courtesy call in my office at 9 am. We have lost a patriotic, humble and professional soldier, one of the finest soldiers and pilots in the history of this country.

“Its sad he has died at a prime age of his career. On behalf on my family and the people of Kisumu County, I send heartfelt condolences to General Ogolla’s Family, colleagues and the Kenya Defense Forces,” said Nyong’o.

Read: The chopper that killed Gen Ogolla, nine others

Gen Ogolla and the family planned to drive to their rural home later on Friday to prepare for a church event which was to celebrate his parents.

He was also to open his newly built home during which officials from the Anglican Church were to be present, officials said.

All were set for the event. But that did not happen as he and the others died in the crash. The cause of the crash is yet to be known.

President William Ruto announced the death saying he was deeply saddened.

The bodies were flown from the scene to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and later to Forces Memorial Hospital Mortuary.

Together with him in the crash were eleven other gallant military personnel, nine who also passed on and two survivors.

Among the dead were Brig Swale Saidi, Colonel Duncan Keittany, Lieutenant Colonel David Sawe, Major George Benson Magondu, Captain Sora Mohamed, Captain Hillary Litali, Senior Sergeant John Kinyua Mureithi, Sergeant Cliphonce Omondi, and Sergeant Rose Nyawira.

The CDF, onboard the Kenya Air Force Huey Helicopter, had left Nairobi Thursday morning, to visit troops deployed in the North Rift under Operation Maliza Uhalifu, and to inspect the ongoing school renovations works in Chesitet Primary School, Cheptulel Boys High School, Chepoton Primary School, Ksaa Primary School and Sablimoi Primary School.

Read Also: Ruto Statement On The Death Of Gen Ogolla, Nine Others

Ruto said the CDF had been briefed on the security situation by a multi-agency team stationed at Chesitet in Baringo County, after which he proceeded to the Kainuk Forward Operating Base in Turkana County, where he addressed troops, commending them for their resilience and operational successes.

The CDF and his entourage departed from Kainuk to Chesegon, West Pokot County, where he launched the rehabilitation of Cheptulel Boys High School.

He then departed Chesegon for the Recruits Training School in Uasin Gishu County, where he was scheduled to inspect construction facilities at the institution.

“Unfortunately, the aircraft crashed shortly after take-off. This is a moment of great sadness for myself, as the Commander in Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces, the Kenya Defence Forces fraternity and the nation at large. Our motherland has lost one of her most valiant generals, gallant officers, service men and woman.”

“The demise of General Ogolla is a painful loss to me, and certainly, the sorrow we all feel about his passing is shared by all the people of Kenya, and especially the KDF fraternity. A distinguished four-star general has fallen in the course of duty, and service to country,” said Ruto.

He said the Kenya Air Force has constituted and dispatched an air investigations team, to establish the cause of the air crash.

In honour of the life and the distinguished military career of the fallen general, who lost his life not just while in office, but in active military duty, the nation will observe a period of three days of mourning commencing April 19, 2024.

During this time of national mourning, the Kenyan flag, the Kenya Defence Forces Flag, and the Eastern Africa community flag shall fly at half-mast in the Republic of Kenya and Kenya missions abroad.

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Odinga described Gen. Ogolla as a true patriot, a highly decorated soldier, and a consummate professional who served Kenya with unwavering dedication.

“We also extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the KDF team who were accompanying Gen. Ogolla. We know that at this moment words will not be enough to console your tremendous grief. We pray the Lord may give you comfort. May the souls of all those who have departed find eternal peace,” Odinga said.

Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu also shared her condolences, expressing sympathy for President William Ruto, the entire Kenyan nation, and the families, relatives, and friends of all those who lost their lives in the accident.

U.S. Ambassador Meg Whitman described Gen. Ogolla as a dedicated servant and a great friend of the United States, emphasizing his significant contributions to advancing the U.S.-Kenya partnership.

National Speaker Moses Wetangula echoed sentiments of loss and grief, emphasizing Gen. Ogolla’s commitment to national peace and service.

“His untimely demise in a helicopter crash while on duty in Elgeiyo Marakwet County weighs heavily upon our hearts,” said Wetangula.

Gen. Ogolla was among the casualties of a fatal air accident that occurred in Elgeyo Marakwet County, claiming the lives of eleven other military personnel and leaving two survivors.

The purpose of the trip was to visit troops deployed in the North Rift under Operation Maliza Uhalifu and inspect ongoing school renovation projects, as stated by President Ruto.

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