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Opposition demands public inquiry into plane crash that claimed CDF Ogolla's life

Azimio leaders led by Raila Odinga condole with the family of CDF Francis Ogolla. (X/ODM Party)

By Barack Oduor | Friday, April 19, 2024

The leaders said there are several pertinent issues about the unfortunate accident that must be investigated exhaustively.

The Raila Odinga-led Azimio La Umoja Coalition is demanding a public inquiry into the plane crash that claimed the lives of CDF Francis Ogolla and others in Elgeyo Marakwet on Thursday.

The leaders, in a statement read by Narc Kenya Party Leader Martha Karua, said there are several pertinent issues about the unfortunate accident that must be investigated exhaustively.

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The leaders, comprising Wiper Leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Karua, Former Defence Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa, former Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya, Siaya Governor James Orengo, and former Murang'a governor Mwangi wa Iria wondered if General Ogolla was on a routine duty or he had instructions to attend to the ill bound duty.

"Is it routine for the Chief of Defence Forces to go and inspect the construction of classrooms, or was it a directive to him?" asked Karua.

General Ogolla died in the course of duty alongside nine other officers; Major George Benson Magondu, Brigadier Swale Saidi, Colonel Duncan Keittany, Lieutenant-Colonel David Sawe, Captain Sora Mohamed, Captain Hilary Litali, Senior Sgt John Kinyua Mureithi, Sergeant Cliphonce Omondi and Sergeant Rose Nyawira.

The opposition leaders said they will always remember General Ogolla as a devout patriot and dedicated soldier to Kenya, from the day he graduated, through multiple tours of duty, and ultimately as the top soldier in the Kenya Defence Forces.

This morning together with the Rt. Hon. @RailaOdinga, we condoled with the family and friends of the late Gen. Francis Omondi Ogolla, EGH, EBS, HSC 'ndc' (K) 'psc' FRA Chief of the Defence Forces at his home in Nairobi. pic.twitter.com/dpD7tpmTNd
— James Orengo (@orengo_james) April 19, 2024

"The general was a highly decorated soldier who rose through the ranks after enlisting 40 years ago," said Karua.

Karua said Kenyans are puzzled and anxious with regard to this unprecedented breach of security by the CDF. They wondered why he was the first to die in office in such circumstances.

They asked to know whether it was normal for Ogolla to be in a chopper with so many other military personnel.

"Was this his designated chopper and if not, where was his designated chopper?" asked Karua.

They said that the questions they have raised about the deaths are urgent, as Kenyans deserve answers.

"We, therefore, call for a time-bound public inquiry, and no effort or resources should be spared, including securing the services of international experts or investigators, to get to the bottom of this matter as it raises grave concerns," she added.

They encouraged the government to consider the welfare of all the disciplined forces and their families in commemoration of General Ogolla and the brave soldiers who died.

"We petition that the Disciplined Forces Welfare Fund be established as soon as possible to address the well-being of all disciplined forces."

PL ⁦@RailaOdinga⁩ together with Azimio Leaders ⁦@MarthaKarua⁩ ⁦@skmusyoka⁩ ⁦@HonKioni⁩ and Mwangi wa Iria and MPs today visited the home of CDF General Francis Ogolla to console them following his death in a helicopter crash yesterday. pic.twitter.com/RI1lgL61OG
— The ODM Party (@TheODMparty) April 19, 2024