By Peter Ochieng
The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) has released a schedule of memorial service and burial ceremonies of 7 officers killed in helicopter crash a week ago.
The crash at Sindar in Elgeyo Marakwet county, claimed the lives of 10 KDF soldiers, among them Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Francis Omondi Ogolla.
Only two officers survived the tragic crash. Omondi was buried on Sunday in Ng’iya, Siaya County.
Brigadier Swale Said and Captain Mohamed Sora were buried a day after the crash, in accordance to Muslim traditions.
According to a statement from KDF, their will be a requiem mass for all the 7 officers at the Moi Airbase, in Eastleigh, Nairobi county on Wednesday, April 24, 2924.
“Following the tragic air crash, the Kenya Defence Forces has together with the families of our departed comrades planned, and participated in memorial services and burial ceremonies. This is done guided by military protocols and honours, the wishes of the fallen comrade and their family. Officers and service members have been assigned to support the families during this phase of mourning,” KDF stated.
After the requiem mass, the fallen soldiers will be buried on diverse dates, between April 25 and May 11, 2024.
Sergeant Rose Nyawira who was CDF press photographer will be the fourth one to be buried.
She will be laid to rest tomorrow in Kagio village, Kirinyaga county.
Next will be Senior Sergeant John Mureithi who until his demise was an air technician based at the Moi Airbase.
He will be buried on Friday this week in Kirimunge village, Kirinyaga county.
Colonel Duncan Keitany who was the Colonel in charge of operations will be buried on Saturday, in Saos village, Baringo county.
Similarly, major George Magondu who was one of the pilots behind the ill fated chopper will be buried on Saturday, in Karemeno village, Nyeri county.
Lt Col David Sawe who was the works maintainance officer will be interred at Kabkorio village in Nandi county on Tuesday, April 30, 2024.
Sergeant Cliphonce Omondi who was CDF Omondi’s security will be buried on Friday, May 03, 2024 in Ndiwo village, Siaya County.
Hillary Litali will be the last one to be laid to rest on Saturday, May 11, 2024 in Ndalu Scheme, Tongaren.
He was the aide-de-camp to CDF Ogolla. Top military officers and government officials are expected to attend the burial ceremonies across the country.