KDF holds requiem mass for General Ogolla and nine soldiers killed in helicopter crash
During the ceremony, General Ogolla’s passing was remembered as a moment that deeply impacted the nation and the military fraternity. Each fallen soldier was honoured not only for their service to the country but also for the values they upheld — courage, commitment, and unwavering patriotism.
The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) on Thursday held a requiem mass in honour of the late Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), General Francis Ogolla, and nine other soldiers who perished in a tragic helicopter crash in Elgeyo Marakwet County on April 18, last year.
The nine fallen service members included Brigadier Swalleh Saidi, Colonel Duncan Keitany, Lieutenant Colonel David Sawe, Major George Magondu, Captain Mohammed Sora, Captain Hillary Litali, Senior Sergeant John Mureithi, Sergeant Cliphonce Omondi, and Sergeant Rose Nyawira.
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The memorial service, held at Moi Air Base in Eastleigh, was attended by General Charles Kahariri, who was accompanied by the three service commanders and relatives of the fallen soldiers.
The heroes and heroine tragically lost their lives when the helicopter they were travelling in crashed and burst into flames in the Sindar area of Elgeyo Marakwet County. Some died on impact, while others succumbed to their injuries later.
KDF holds requiem mass for General Ogolla and nine soldiers killed in helicopter crash. (KDF)
Corporal Frankford Karanja Mogire, one of the two survivors of the crash, has since resumed normal duty as a photographer at the Strategic Communications Unit of the KDF. Contrary to misinformation circulating on social media, the service member is attached to the CDF’s press team.
During the ceremony, General Ogolla’s passing was remembered as a moment that deeply impacted the nation and the military fraternity. Each fallen soldier was honoured not only for their service to the country but also for the values they upheld — courage, commitment, and unwavering patriotism.
“The memorial served as a time of reflection, remembrance, and unity, offering strength and spiritual comfort to bereaved families. During the interdenominational service, clergy urged families to lean on faith and each other, assuring them that though their loved ones were gone in body, their spirits endure,” a KDF statement read.
General Kahariri described the day as one of reflection and collective remembrance. He affirmed the enduring legacy of those lost, acknowledging their service, devotion, and the unbreakable bond forged through their ultimate sacrifice. He also expressed gratitude to the families for attending the service, recognising their strength and resilience, which continue to inspire both the KDF and the nation as a whole.
Speaking on behalf of the bereaved families, Charles Magondu, father of the late Major George Magondu, delivered a heartfelt message of sorrow and gratitude. He acknowledged the steadfast support the families had received over the past year, highlighting the unbreakable bonds within the KDF family that have helped them cope with the devastating loss.
Colonel Kasaine Ole Kuruta, the second survivor of the crash, shared an emotional reflection on his journey of healing, both physically and emotionally.
Major General Fatuma Ahmed, Commander of the Kenya Air Force, which suffered the greatest loss of personnel in the crash, paid tribute to the departed, describing them as brave and visionary leaders who served with distinction.
“She emphasised that the strength of the KDF lies not only in its operational capability but also in its unity, resilience, and shared values — especially during times of tragedy,” the KDF dispatch added.
The deceased personnel had been on a working tour of the North Rift region, where a multi-agency operation led by the National Police Service is ongoing to curb banditry.
The crash occurred just minutes after their departure from Cheptulel Boys High School. The Bell UH-1H-II Iroquois helicopter they were aboard came down on a community farm named ‘Shamba la Amani’ at approximately 14:20 hours.
KDF holds requiem mass for General Ogolla and nine soldiers killed in helicopter crash. (KDF)
A summary report released last week by the Ministry of Defence stated that the helicopter caught fire on impact.
“Area residents, alongside KDF personnel from the nearby Samu Forward Operating Base (FOB), evacuated the passengers and extinguished the fire. Four survivors of the crash were airlifted by Hughes MD 500 helicopters to Endo Health Centre. Regrettably, two succumbed to their injuries, while the remaining two were later transferred to Eldoret Regional Hospital (ERH). The ten bodies were subsequently flown to Nairobi,” the report stated.
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