The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) has announced the dates for memorial services and burial ceremonies of soldiers who perished in a chopper crash with General Francis Ogolla.
10 soldiers died in a crash involving a Huey UH -1 helicopter tail no. KAF 1501 at Sindar, Kaben in Elgeiyo Marakwet County on Thursday, April 18, 2024.
“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.
Already, three soldiers have been buried including General Francis Ogolla (Chief of Defence Forces), Brigadier Swale Saidi (Brigade Commander Engineers Brigade) and Captain Mohamed Sora (Pilot No. 53 Squadron).
KDF soldiers’ burial dates
KDF will hold a requiem mass at the Moi Air Base, Eastleigh, Nairobi County on Wednesday, April 24, 2024.
Sergeant Rose Nyawira, a KDF photographer, will be laid to rest on Thursday, April 25, 2024, in Kagio Village in Kirinyaga County.
Senior Sergeant John Mureithi an air technician at the Moi Air Base will be interred on Friday, April 26, 2024, in Kirimunge Village, Kanyeki Location in Kirinyaga County.
Colonel Duncan Keitany (Colonel Operations at the Defence Headquarters) will be buried on Saturday, April 27, 2024, in Saos Village, Eldama Ravine in Baringo County.
Major George Magondu, a Pilot at the Moi Air Base will be laid to rest on Saturday, April 27, 2024, in Karemeno Village, Kieni Constituency in Nyeri County.
Lieutenant Colonel David Sawe, a works maintenance officer at the Defence Headquarters Infrastructure department will be buried on Tuesday, April 30, 2024, in Kabkorio village, Sarora Location, Nandi North Sub County in Nandi County
Sergeant Cliphonce Omondi, who was personal security for Chief of Defence Forces Francis Ogolla, will be laid to rest on Friday, May 3, 2024, in Ndiwo Village, West Alego Location in Siaya County
Captain Hillary Litali, who was the aide-de-camp to the Chief of Defence Forces, will be buried on Saturday, May 11, 2024, in Ndalu Scheme, Tongaren Constituency in 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,” KDF stated
