Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale has weighed in on Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) General Francis Ogolla's shocking demise.
In his statement shared via his official X account, Khalwale demanded that the government conduct a thorough review of the conditions of the state-owned aircraft.
Khalwale expressed that it was shocking that an aircraft owned by the Kenya Air Force and another belonging to the National Police Air Wing had crashed.
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The lawmaker further stated that the procurement, maintenance and operation of the state-owned aircraft must be put under scrutiny.
"We now demand a thorough review of the air worthiness of the Kenya State owned aircraft.
Since 2012, a shocking 12 aircraft belonging to Kenya Air Force and another 5 to the National Police Air Wing have crashed! Furthermore, procurement of these aircraft, their maintenance, and operation must be put under scrutiny," he said.
We now demand a thorough review of the air worthiness of the Kenya State owned aircraft.
Since 2012, a shocking 12 aircraft belonging to Kenya Air Force and another 5 to the National Police Air Wing have crashed!
Furthermore, procurement of these aircraft, their maintenance, and… pic.twitter.com/KlnUuHDXMi— Dr Boni Khalwale, CBS (@KBonimtetezi) April 19, 2024
CDF General Ogolla dies
CDF General Ogolla, 61, died in a chopper crash at the Kaben-Cheptulel border between Elgeyo Marakwet and West Pokot counties.
President William Ruto who confirmed his death stated that Ogolla was in the company of 11 other gallant military personnel; nine (9) who also passed on with him and two survivors during the crash.
The Kenya Air Force Huey Helicopter crashed shortly after taking off from a local primary school in Chesegon on Thursday afternoon.
"The gallant military personnel who passed on with General Ogolla are; Brigadier Swaleh Said, Colonel Dancan Keitany, Lieutenant Col. David Sawe, Major George Benson Magondu (was the pilot), Capt. Sora Mohammed, Capt. Hillary Litali, Snr Sgt John Kinyua Mureithi, Sgt. Cliffonce Omondi and Sgt. Rose Nyawira,” Ruto added.
The president mourned him as a distinguished and respected soldier and announced that the nation would observe 3 days of mourning starting today.
Ruto also directed that all official flags fly at half-mast.
"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," the president said.
"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 3 days of mourning commencing on Friday, April 19, 2024," he added.
