• Kenyan_gossip
• Visit Article Link

• Tuko News
• Fri Apr 18 2025

The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) held a memorial at Moi Air Base to honour the soldiers who died in a 2024 helicopter crash

Colonel Kasaine Ole Kuruta, one of the two survivors, reflected on his journey of physical and emotional healing and expressed gratitude for life and support

The interdenominational service also featured tributes from bereaved families and senior military officials, who called for remembrance, unity, and prayer in the face of loss

PAY ATTENTION: Flexible Payment Plans Available! Invest in Yourself & See the Return with Our Affordable Copywriting Course!

On Thursday, April 17, the KDF held a memorial to honour soldiers who died in a helicopter crash in 2024.

Colonel Kasaine Ole Kuruta survived the chopper crash that killed General Francis Ogolla. Photos: @kdfinfo

Source: UGC

What did General Ogolla crash survivor say?

Former chief of the defence forces, General Francis Ogolla, was among the ten soldiers who died in the crash that happened in Elgeyo Marakwet county. Ogolla?s chopper went down after leaving Cheptulel Boys Secondary School. It was the first of three helicopters to take off.

The military officers were assessing the security situation in the area before the reopening of schools closed due to insecurity.

Search option is now available at TUKO! Feel free to search the content on topics/people you enjoy reading about in the top right corner ;)

The ceremony held at the Moi Air Base in Nairobi also commemorated the deaths of Brigadier Swalleh Saidi, Colonel Duncan Keitany, Lieutenant Colonel David Sawe, Major George Magondu, Captain Mohammed Sora, Captain Hillary Litali, Senior Sergeant John Mureithi, Sergeant Cliphonce Omondi, and Sergeant Rose Nyawira.

Colonel Kasaine Ole Kuruta, one of the two survivors of the crash, spoke during the service, reflecting on healing emotionally and physically.

?It?s been 365 days that remind us of the privilege that we have to be alive. I?ve learned to treasure time with loved ones.

"I grieve in peace, and I choose to live each day in memory of those who couldn?t. I?m deeply grateful to the KDF leadership and medical team who walked with me through my healing,? he said.

Major Magondu?s father spoke on behalf of the bereaved families, acknowledging the support the families received.

Families who lost loved ones in the KDF chopper crash at the memorial. Photo: @kdfinfo.

Source: UGC

Chief of the Defence Forces, General Charles Kahariri, said it was a day of reflection and remembrance, while acknowledging the deceased?s service and sacrifice.

Kahariri admitted that some social media comments might be insensitive, but urged the families to pray for the perpetrators.

Kenyans on social media paid heartfelt tribute to the fallen soldiers, writing:

@Iam_HassanKe:

?The cameraman survived miraculously. Praise the Lord.?

@Jelvis87123147:

?Colonel, it is well.?

@AbwogoK:

?We will talk about the death of our heroes, whether the president likes it or not. May the departed souls continue resting in peace.?

@tom_goko:

?The aircraft fleet needs to be urgently upgraded with a modern and more reliable fleet.?

@PAOtieno:

?Thank you for your service. You will be remembered always.?

@Iam_Godie:

?Continue resting, general. I've never believed you're no more.?

Who else survived Ogolla chopper crash?

Investigations revealed that an engine malfunction caused the helicopter crash. The probe indicated that the aircraft underwent regular maintenance and checks and flew with a qualified crew.

Aside from Colonel Kasaine, Karanja Mogire, a photographer, also survived the crash.

Mogire was recently spotted as President William Ruto launched the Ulinzi Prime Health Services Fund.

The photographer was spotted capturing the moment the president unveiled a plaque.

Proofreading by Mercy Nyambura, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.

Source: TUKO.co.ke