Commander Kenya Air Force (KAF), Major General John Omenda, today led a Requiem mass for six (6) of the deceased KAF personnel who lost their lives alongside Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), General Francis Ogolla in a helicopter crash in Sindar, Elgeyo Marakwet County.
The six personnel included Colonel Kipyegon Keitany, Major George Magondu, Captain Hillary Litali, Senior Sergeant John Muriithi, Sergeant Cliphonce Omondi and Sergeant Rose Nyawira.
Speaking during the event, Maj Gen Omenda termed them as heroes who perished in the line of duty, saying that they lived lives of service and were dedicated to serving their country.
“This is one of the worst tragedies that the Kenya Air Force and the Kenya Defence Forces as a whole has faced. I pass my condolences to all the bereaved. I have constituted a board to investigate the cause of the crash and give recommendations to further improve the safety of our troops going forward,” He added.
The personnel are set to be laid to rest in their respective homes, on various dates between the 25th April and 11th May 2024.
Also speaking during the event were Commandant DOD Camp Admin Unit (CAU) Brigadier Willy Wesonga, Base Commander Moi Air Base (MAB) Brigadier Samwel Kipkorir and Military Wives Association Kenya (MWAK) Vice Chairperson, Mrs. Grace Kahariri. Each of them praised the fallen soldiers for their sacrifice and passed their condolences to their family and friends.
Those in attendance included Assistant Chief of Defence Forces, Personnel and Logistics (ACDF P&L) Maj Gen David Keter, Assistant Chief of Defence Forces, Operation, Planning, Doctrine and Training (ACDF OPD&T) Major General Fredrick Leuria, Director of Medical Services Maj Gen (Dr) George Ng’ang’a, Commandant Joint Command and Staff College (JCSC), Maj Gen Eric Kinuthia, Senior Officers, Officers, Service Members, Families and friends of the deceased.
May God rest all their souls in eternal peace.
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