The family of late Captain Hillary Litali says they first learnt of his demise on social media.

Speaking to TV47 from his father’s home in Kakamega, family spokesperson Rodgers Wahisi revealed he was the first to receive the tragic news.

“I received the news of Hillary’s death from Nairobi yesterday through social media. I was going though social media at around 2:45pm when I saw the name Litali linked to a KDF chopper crash.

“I called his father to confirm whether that could be our child who died. His father was unaware of the occurrence. He then called Hillary’s wife who said the man left in the morning for Marakwet but she was not aware of his health status,” Wahisi explained.

Captain Hillary Litali’s wife followed up on the matter and was informed by KDF about her husband’s untimely demise.

His mother, who is based in Nakuru, was devastated as she recounted all the plans laid out by the soldier for the family.

She disclosed that they last met early this month as they prepared for the planting season. Hillary, being the firstborn, was also building a family home in Kitale, Trans Nzoia.

“He wanted me to move from Nakuru to Kitale in July. In May he promised that he would facilitate roofing of the house so that I can move in July.

“Hilary told me he was going for 3-months training and would return in September so that we can host a house warming party together with his friends. That he would also move his wife and child from Nairobi to Kitale where we all live,” the soldier’s mother narrated.

During their last meet up, Hillary visited the construction site in the company of his mother, which is halfway complete.

Captain Hillary Litali began training as a cadet in 2012 and graduated in 2016. He was posted to the Air Force the following year and rose through the ranks to become Captain in 2023.

The late KDF soldier served retired Chief of Defence Forces Robert Kibochi. He was then moved to General Francis Ogolla’s office where he served for one month until his demise.