The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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As Kenyans grieve the loss of Chief of Defence Forces General Francis Ogolla, who tragically perished in a helicopter crash on Thursday, two families from Kirinyaga are also mourning the loss of their relatives who were among the nine military personnel killed alongside the CDF.
Peter Wachira Kariuki, father of the late Sergeant Rose Nyawira from Kagio area in Mwea, confirmed his daughter’s passing, recalling their last conversation on Sunday. “She was here on Sunday, and we had a great time together. I also saw her off despite the heavy rains. We will miss her,” said Kariuki. “We initially thought it was a joke until our uncle confirmed her passing. My sister, Ogolla’s photographer, had a very promising future,” added Martin Kinyua, the deceased’s brother.
Meanwhile, in Kirimunge village, Kirinyaga Central, the family of Senior Sergeant John Kinyua Muriithi is grieving the loss of their son. Josphat Muriithi, the deceased’s father, received the heartbreaking news on Thursday night and expressed profound anguish, saying, “I am in so much pain.”
The helicopter carrying General Ogolla crashed in the Sindar area of Elgeyo Marakwet County around 2:20 pm. President William Ruto announced the tragedy, stating, “Today, at 2:20 pm, our nation suffered a tragic air accident in Sindar area, Keben location, Tot division, in Elgeyo Marakwet County. I am deeply saddened to announce the passing of General Francis Omondi Ogolla, the Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces.”
President Ruto also disclosed that the helicopter was carrying 11 other military officers, nine of whom, including CDF Ogolla, lost their lives in the crash, leaving only two survivors. The deceased include Brigadier Swale Saidi, Colonel Duncan Keittany, Lieutenant Colonel David Sawe, Major George Benson Magondu (Pilot), Captain Sora Mohamed, Captain Hillary Litali, Senior Sergeant John Kinyua Mureithi, Sergeant Cliphonce Omondi, and Sergeant Rose Nyawira.
