Intriguing details have started emerging even as investigators ponder on crucial and critical questions surrounding the fatal demise of immediate former Chief of Defence Forces General Francis Ogolla.
General Ogolla perished in a fatal air crash within Elgeyo Marakwet County alongside nine other military officers.
Officials are asking hard questions to unravel circumstances under which the air crash occurred. Among things being probed is if there was a breach of protocol leading to the loss of the most protected military man in Kenya.
The country was sent into grief and shock Thursday, April 18 when President William Ruto, at State House Nairobi, announced the passing of nine military officials, including General Ogolla, when their helicopter crashed in Kaben area, Elgeyo Marakwet County.
The fatal air crash has left everyone perplexed just how, why, where, who and what really happened?
This is the first ever reported tragic death in the history of the country, involving a serving chief of defence forces who had not just died but died in line of duty. So was there a breach in protocol, procedure and operations when the CDF visited an operation area?
President Ruto has already ordered immediate establishment of an inquiry board into this horrific incident led by the Air Force investigations team. The probe will include senior investigators from the air investigation department, the military intelligence and their counter parts from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations.
Sources close to the investigations have revealed they are already working on getting crucial details on the history of the flight that crashed. The history will include reports from the manufacturer and maintenance records.
Investigators will have to travel to the scene of crime and interrogate witnesses and responders to the crash. This will be collaborated with the mitigating factors on information from the person who allocated the plane to airlift senior military officials into the operation zone.
Questions have also emerged on why CDF Ogolla did not use his official tank plane when visiting such an operation area.
Intelligence reports have also disclosed the team will keenly diagnose the technical status of the ill fated chopper before making any conclusion.
After consideration of these factors, survivors report will be attached and a confidential and detailed findings forwarded to the president.
Our source disclosed the details and information of the probe will remain confidential and will not be shared to the public. The report will include findings on what really transpired and recommendations.
Among theories being pursued are if the accident was as a result of technical failure or human error. The history of the pilot will be of interest in the probe.
The air force Huey Helicopter had had a successful journey with the senior military officials on board from Nairobi to the counties of Baringo, Turkana, Elgeyo Marakwet and were to finalize their security tour in Uasin Gishu.
However, moments after take off from West Pokot County, the helicopter crashed and burst into flames. Only two people out of the 12 on board survived. This saw the tragic end to a man who was not only at the helm of Kenya’s Defence Forces but one whose security and protocol matches that of the president.
Other questions being asked is if it was necessary for the CDF to tour the region. Where was the army commander or his juniors from the army and the western command region commander? Why was the helicopter used by the CDF not armoured? Although in the military they say officers don’t disobey orders, but was it necessary for the CDF to tour the operation area?
Former military officials have argued, military accidents don’t just happen or rather they never happen, so what really led to this horrific air crash?
Investigators have a hard nut to crack, as the country continues to mourn her most gallant fallen soldiers.
