- The former Prime Minister said he was alarmed at the “many near-death incidents involving security aircraft."
- He raised concerns about the state of helicopters and other equipment used by security officers.
Image: JAMES ORENGO/X
Opposition leader Raila Odinga has demanded a thorough probe into the cause of the chopper crash that killed Chief of Defence Forces Francis Ogolla on Thursday afternoon.
Raila in a statement to newsrooms on Friday urged the government to expedite the probe, saying there was a possibility the cause may never be known.
“More importantly, the government owes this country a thorough, professional and transparent investigation into this death,” he said.
“Only such an investigation will put the family and the whole nation at peace.”
The former Prime Minister said he was alarmed at the “many near-death incidents involving security aircraft."
"We may never know what exactly brought down the helicopter in which the general died," Raila said. The security sector has never made public any report involving the aircraft accidents.
He raised concerns about the state of helicopters and other equipment used by security officers.
“There has been long-running concern about the state of helicopters and other equipment being used by our security sector.
"It is our prayer that this tragedy may mark the beginning of a serious relook into our security equipment, especially the aircraft to undertake a complete overhaul and modernisation of the equipment. That was the General's vision," Raila stated.
His party Azimio proposed that an independent international air accident probe team be enlisted to handle the matter.
"No effort or resources should be spared including securing the services of international experts or investigators to get the bottom of this matter as it raises grave concerns," Azimio said in a statement read by Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka.
The coalition listed a barrage of key questions that they wanted the investigation to unravel.
"Is it routine for a CDF to inspect classroom construction or was it a directive from somewhere?" the coalition asked, adding, "Was it normal for him to be in a chopper with so many other military personnel?
"Was this his designated chopper and if not where was his designated chopper?
"These are some of the urgent questions that must be answered and Kenyans deserve answers. We therefore call for a time-bound public inquiry," Kalonzo said.
On Friday, Raila led a section of Azimio leaders to pay a visit to the family of Ogolla at his Ng'iya home in Siaya to express condolences and support.
He was accompanied by other Azimio leaders including Narc Kenya leader Martha Karua, Kalonzo, former Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya, former Murang'a Governor Mwangi Wa Iria, and Siaya Governor James Orengo.
"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," Raila said in a statement.
Gen Ogolla met died on Thursday afternoon alongside nine other military officers in a chopper crash in Marakwet East.
The departed general is set to be laid to rest on April 21. Raila eulogised Ogolla as a man who will not only be missed in Kenya but also globally.
“He was a leader who shared his strength with all who knew him, including his juniors. On each of the happy occasions when our paths crossed, I was deeply impressed by the strength of his spirit and his cool confidence in the future of the country’s security,” Raila said.
General Ogolla was among notable names IEBC listed as having attempted to intervene for a Raila win in the vote which President William Ruto eventually carried in August 22.
Raila termed him as a true patriot, a highly decorated soldier and a consummate professional who served the country with unwavering dedication.
"Our hearts go out to his family, his colleagues in the KDF and the entire nation as we grieve this immense loss."