KDF marks a year since plane crash that killed Gen Ogolla, 10 others

The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) held a solemn memorial service at Moi Air Base, Nairobi, to honour the memory of the gallant fallen heroes and heroine who tragically lost their lives in a helicopter crash on April 18 2024 in Sindar, Elgeyo Marakwet County.

Among the ten personnel commemorated was the late Chief of the Defence Forces, Gen Francis Ogolla, whose passing left a deep void in the nation and military community.

Others remembered during the service included Brigadier Swalleh Saidi, Colonel Duncan Keitany, Lieutenant Colonel David Sawe, Major George Magondu, Captain Mohammed Sora, Captain Hillary Litali, Senior Sergeant John Mureithi, Sergeant Cliphonce Omondi, and Sergeant Rose Nyawira.

Each of these individuals was honoured not only for their service to the nation but also for the values they represented—courage, commitment, and unwavering patriotism.

The memorial served as a time of reflection, remembrance, and unity, offering strength and spiritual comfort to bereaved families. During the interdenominational service, clergy urged the families to lean on faith and each other, assuring them that though their loved ones were gone in body, their spirits endure.

Speaking on behalf of the bereaved families, Charles Magondu, father to the late Major George Magondu, expressed a heartfelt message of sorrow and gratitude. He acknowledged the steadfast support the families had received over the past year and praised the unbreakable bonds within the KDF family.

Colonel Kasaine Ole Kuruta, one of the two surviving personnel from the crash, gave an emotional reflection on the journey of healing, both physically and emotionally.

“It’s been 365 days that remind us of the privilege that we have to be alive. I’ve learned to treasure time with loved ones. I grieve in peace, and I choose to live each day in memory of those who couldn’t. I’m deeply grateful to the KDF leadership and medical team who walked with me through my healing,” said Col Ole Kuruta.

Commander Kenya Air Force, Major General Fatuma Ahmed, paid tribute to the departed as brave and visionary leaders who served with distinction. She emphasized that the KDF’s strength lies not only in its operational capability but in its unity, resilience, and shared values—especially during times of tragedy.

Chief of the Defence Forces, General Charles Kahariri, described the day as one of reflection and collective remembrance. He affirmed the enduring legacy of those lost, acknowledging their service, devotion, and the unbreakable bond they created through their sacrifice.

General Kahariri further expressed his gratitude to the families for attending the service, acknowledging their strength and resilience, which continue to inspire both the KDF fraternity and the nation as a whole. He added that we live in a harsh world one where social media often becomes a platform for uninformed commentary, spoken without understanding or compassion.

“I urge you to pray for those who act out of ignorance, and for the lives affected by their actions. With prayer, God can transform even the hardest of hearts,” concluded Gen. Kahariri.

Also in attendance were Vice Chief of the Defence Forces, Lieutenant General John Omenda, Commander Kenya Army Lieutenant General David Tarus, Commander Kenya Navy Major General Paul Otieno, Assistant Chief of the Defence Forces (ACDF) in charge of Personnel and Logistics Major General David Keter, ACDF Operations, Planning, Doctrine and Training, Major General Fredrick Leuria, Director Medical Service Major General George Nganga, senior officers, officers, service members and their families.
The legacy of these fallen heroes and heroine lives on, their memory etched in the hearts of the KDF fraternity and the nation. May their souls continue to rest in eternal peace.

A military probe concluded that engine malfunction caused the chopper crash.

In a report released, the Ministry of Defence said that the Huey Helicopter KAF 1501 was assessed to have had a relatively high level of reliability, having conducted several operational and training missions, including VIP flights.

“Based on facts and evidence gathered, and indicated in the findings above, the Board of Inquiry is of the opinion that the Bell UH-1H-II (Huey) Helicopter KAF 1501 crashed due to Engine Malfunction.”
“Further, the flight was operated by qualified, competent crew. However, dependent on information from the survivors, after experiencing Complete Power Loss, the Pilots of KAF 1501 attempted to control the Helicopter to a clear Landing Zone but lost positive control of the aircraft,” the report read.
The chopper crashed on April 18, 2024 as it took off.

According to the report, the investigations established that the helicopter suffered Engine Compressor Stall (Surge).

This is consistent with witness report of a loud bang at the Engine compartment and the Measured Gas Temperature (MGT) gauge, which when powered, displayed an Over-Exceedance of 914 °C.

The Helicopter then experienced a Complete Power Loss, which was followed by a left yaw, drop in Engine Revolutions Per Minute (RPM), low RPM audio alarm and change in engine noise, as narrated by witnesses on the ground and accident scene reconstruction.

But experts have punched holes to the report.