The National Assembly has eulogized  Gen. Francis Omondi Ogolla, Chief of the Defence Forces, and nine service members who died in a helicopter crash in Elgeyo Marakwet County on Thursday, April 18th.

The lawmakers’ tributes followed Communication from the Speaker, the Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Moses Wetang’ula informing the House of the tragedy.

"I wish to formally report to the House the demise of the Late General,Francis Omondi Ogolla together with Brigadier Swale Saidi, Col. Duncan Keittany, Lt. Col. David Sawe, Maj. George Benson Magondu, Capt. Sora Mohamed, Capt. Hillary Litali, Senior Sgt. John Kinyua Mureithi, Sgt. Cliphonce Omondi and Sgt. Rose Nyawira. They met their death on Thursday, 18th April 2024 following a tragic helicopter crash in Elgeyo Marakwet County”, a section of the Communication read.

Speaker Wetang'ula also led the House in observing a moment of silence in honour of the fallen soldiers. 

Members paid accolades to the departed Gen. Ogolla for his outstanding leadership through out his military service, as well as to the other fallen soldiers for their exceptional service to the country.

“He exuded rare dedication to duty, that even at the helm of his career, he died serving this country. During 2023's Jamhuri Day celebrations, in recognition of his dedication to duty and Country, the president conferred on him the Order of the Elder of the Golden Heart presidential award, underscoring his exceptional contribution to this Country," recounted Speaker Wetang'ula.

His sentiments were echoed by Hon. Joseph Makilap (Baringo North) who remembered Gen. Ogolla as "a brilliant Intelligent man," an observation supported by the Hon. Musa Sirma (Eldama Ravine).

"Gen. Ogolla was a great man and a great leader. The young people who we have lost were doing a great service to Kenyans”, Hon. Sirma noted.

Hon. Musa Sirma further called on the government to remain resolute in its commitmen to wipe out banditry, in honour of the departed military officers. 

Other Members elected to remember General Ogolla for his humility, terming him as a great role model.

"It is sad that we mourn our soldiers who lost their lives in their line of duty. I want to encourage our soldiers. The life of CDF Ogolla stands  as a demonstration of faith and humility," said Hon. Malulu Ijendi (Malava).

On her part, Hon. Naomi Waqo (Marsabit) said, “I also mourn Capt. Sora Mohamed who hails from Marsabit and Sgt. Rose Nyawira the only lady who was caught in the tragic crash. This is not the first time that we have lost people due to mechanical faults on our aircraft”.

Weighing into the matter , the Leader of the Minority Party, Hon. Opiyo Wandayi called for thorough investigations on the accident stating, "We must unearth the root cause of this accident." 

Several lawmakers led by Kilgoris lawmaker, Hon. Julius Sunkuli  reiterated his position , calling for a probe into the status of the country’s military equipment and infrastructure .

“I would like to call on the Committee on Defence to look into the equipment used by our military officials”, urged Hon. Sunkuli.

Hon. Joseph Makilap (Baringo North) also called on the government to undertake a thorough audit of the military equipment while his Eldas counterpart, Hon. Adan called for increased funding towards modernizing the disciplined forces.

Legislators further highlighted the need to address the root cause of insecurity in the North Rift region, where the helicopter crash occurred.

Hon. Beatrice Elachi (Dagoretti North) pleaded with leaders from the region to push for peace. 

“He was a simple man. I pray for all the families that lost their loved ones . I also want to plead with the people of the North Rift to seek a lasting solution to the persistent insecurity in the area. We have had numerous Motions of Adjournment in this House to deliberate on insecurity situation in the North Rift. I call on the leaders to push for peace."

Hon. Joseph Gitari (Kirinyaga Central),  who constituency lost one officer also shared his tribute.

“I want to condole with the families of our fallen soldiers, particularly Sgt. Rose Nyawira who I knew personally. The best thing we can do is stop the conflict in North Rift."

Hon. John Waluke (Sirisia) in support said, "we need to end banditry and bring security to the areas."

Responding to Members’ concerns on the status of the military equipment , the Chairperson of the Defence, intelligence and Foreign Relations Committee, Hon. Nelson Koech (Belgut) said his Committee would consider upscaling the military equipment budget  to avert such tragedies in future. 

" It is important to look at the welfare of our soldiers. As a Committee we will endavour to find out what was the cause of this crash. We shall also look at the budget with a view to scale up the modernisation budget to advance and update our military infrastructure."

Speaker Moses Wetang'ula closed the session with a plea to leaders from the restive region.  

"Members of this House and the leaders of West Pokot, Samburu, Baringo, Turkana please talk peace. You are the leaders. Those young people engaged in banditry are our children. Give them alternatives. The leadership must start from this House. We need to change the situation," he urged.