By Peter Ochieng
ODM party leader Raila Odinga and his Narc Kenya counterpart Martha Karua are calling for speedy investigations into the cause of the Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) crash that killed 10 high ranking officers, among them Chief of Defense Forces (CDF) General Francis Omondi Ogolla, on Thursday.
The two leaders said establishment of truth will bring closure to the families of the bereaved, and Kenyans at large.
“More importantly, the government owes this country a thorough, professional and transparent investigations into this death. Only such an investigation will put the family and the whole nation at peace,” said Odinga, the Azimio coalition boss.
“General Ogolla devoted his life to serving this country, from the day he graduated, through multiple tours of duty, and ultimately as the top soldier in KDF. I acknowledge that our country has lost a military leader with deep knowledge, steady leadership, and strong judgment.”
Karua on her part said Ogolla’s death leaves a lot of unanswered questions.
“Kenyans are asking whether it is routine for the CDF to go and inspect the construction of classrooms or was this a plan ached within the military or was it a directive? There are many questions which beg answers,” she said.
“This is of great concern to all Kenyans, it needs serious investigations. It raises concern about the safety of our airspace, especially our forces. We need a serious relook into our security equipment, especially the aircraft and we need to undertake a complete overhaul.”
Ogolla will be accorded a military honours ceremony complete with a military parade, and a 19-gun salute a day before his burial on Sunday, April 21.
The government will honour his wish to be buried within 72 hours of his death. He will be laid to rest at his home in Ng’iya village, Siaya County on Sunday.
KDF troops will hold an event to honour their late boss with a military honours ceremony, set for tomorrow, Saturday, April 20, 2024.
The late CDF will be laid to rest without a coffin, in accordance with his will and wishes, in what will be akin to a Muslim burial. This is according to his elder brother Canon Hezekiah Oduor.
President William Ruto says elevating Ogolla to position of CDF ranks among the best appointments he has made, since assuming office in September, 2022.
“If there is one appointment that I made that I am very proud of, it is that of General Ogolla, because he deserved the appointment. And he was a professional, a leader, and in the short time that he was our Chief of Defence, he made a big difference.”
“The fact that over the last one and a half years we’ve had very minimal terrorist incidences in the country, is because General Ogolla was smart; he knew what to do and provided leadership. Late into the night he would call to brief and to get clearance. I must say I had a wonderful team at Defence headquarters, from the minister to all the actors, and General Ogolla was at the centre of it.”
Ruto appointed Ogolla CDF in April, 2023. He replaced Robert Kibochi who had attained the retirement age.