Azimio la Umoja One Kenya alliance principal Kalonzo Musyoka has raised questions concerning the last assignment by departed Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) General Francis Ogolla.
In a statement on Friday, April 19, 2024, Kalonzo called on the State to provide proper security and medical attention for two survivors in the chopper crash that killed Ogolla.
“General Ogolla died in the course of duty alongside nine other officers: Major George Benson Magondu, Brigadier Swale Saidi, Colonel Duncan Keittany, Lietuentant-Colonel David Sawe, Captain Soso Mohamed, Captain Hilary Litali, Senior Sgt John Kinyua Mureithi, Sergeant Cliphonce Omondi and Sergeant Rose Nyawira. This is devastating.
“Fortunately, the brutal hand of death left behind two unidentified survivors. We wish them a speedy recovery and demand that they be given proper security and medical attention,” Kalonzo said.
Kalonzo lamented about what he termed as an unprecedented breach of security for the departed CDF, noting that Ogolla is the first Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) top boss to die in office in a chopper crash.
“It is worth noting that, the KDF are responsible for securing the flight of their Commander in Chief and that of the Chief of Defence Forces.
“They have done so with excellence since independence. Kenyans are therefore puzzled and anxious with regards to this unprecedented breach of security of the CDF. Notably, he is the first to die in office in such circumstances,” Kalonzo said.
The Wiper leader additionally questioned Ogolla’s last assignment before his death.
“The following are the key questions that Kenyans need answers:
“1. Is it routine tote CDF to inspect classroom construction or was it a directive from somewhere?
“2. Was it normal for him to be in a chopper with so many other military personnel?
“3. Was this his designated chopper and if not where was his designated chopper?
“These are some of the urgent questions that must be answered and Kenyans deserve answers. We therefore call a time-bound public inquiry and no effort or resources should be spared including securing the services of international experts or investigators to get to the bottom of this matter as it raises grave concerns,” Kalonzo said.
Ogolla’s last assignment
While announcing General Francis Ogolla’s death on Thursday, April 18, 2024, President William Ruto gave a detailed itinerary of the departed CDF’s last assignment.
Ruto announced the death of Ogolla and nine other senior military officers in a tragic helicopter crash in the Sindar area of Elgeyo Marakwet County on Thursday afternoon.
The Head of State revealed the final moments of the late KDF Chief before his untimely demise.
According to Ruto, Ogolla traversed four counties to visit troops deployed in the North Rift and to inspect ongoing school renovation works before the fatal crash.
“The CDF, onboard the Kenya Air Force Huey Helicopter, had left Nairobi this morning, to visit troops deployed in the North Rift under Operation Maliza Uhalifu, and to inspect the ongoing school renovations works in schools,” Ruto stated.
The said institutions are; Chesitet Primary School, Cheptulel Boys High School, Chepoton Primary School, Ksaa Primary School, and Sablimoi Primary School.
Ogolla chaired a security briefing at Chesitet in Baringo County, before departing for Kainuk Forward Operating Base in Turkana County where he addressed troops.
He then flew to Chesegon in West Pokot County to launch the rehabilitation of Cheptulel Boys High School, after which his next destination was set to be the Recruits Training School in Uasin Gishu County, where he was scheduled to inspect construction facilities at the institution.
Ruto said Ogolla did not make it to his final destination as the chopper that was carrying him crashed shortly after take-off.
