Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru has hailed Sergeant Rose Nyawira, the departed Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) soldier who died in a helicopter crash for “her sacrifice to serve Kenya.”
Waiguru described Nyawira as the true daughter of Kirinyaga who excelled in her job because of hard work.
“To the family, we pray for the peace of God that surpasses all understanding to guard your hearts and your minds during this difficult time. Only God can comfort you,” Waiguru said.
Waiguru made the remarks on Thursday during the burial of Nyawira at her parent’s home in Kagio, Kirinyaga County.
Nyawira died on April 18, 2024, alongside military Chief General Francis Ogolla and eight others.
The Governor noted that the county was honoured to have been represented by Nyawira and the late Senior Sergeant John Kinyua Mureithi- a seasoned aircraft technician- in the peace mission.
“Although we lost two gallant soldiers in the helicopter crash, it's an honour for our county residents to have served in the KDF. Sadly, we lost them, but we thank God for the time they served our country," added Waiguru.
Nyawira, 31, was eulogised as a gallant soldier who served the nation with a lot of enthusiasm and dedication.
She joined the military in 2018 and worked as a photographer attached to the KDF administrative unit at the Defence Headquarters in Nairobi.
Kinyua will be buried on April 26 at his Kirimunge village in Kirinyaga Central.
Kirinyaga Deputy Governor Wachira Githanda, Mwea MP Mary Maingi and her Kirinyaga Central counterpart Gachoki Gitari were among other leaders who attended the burial.
The helicopter crashed near the border of Elgeyo Marakwet and Uasin Gichu counties.
They were engaged in a peace mission within the conflict-ridden Rift Valley region, plagued by incidents of cattle rustling and banditry.
President William Ruto has promised a transparent investigation into the helicopter crash.
"All details will be laid bare on the accident that took the life of General Ogolla," Ruto said on Sunday at Ng'iya village, Siaya County.
Major-General John Omenda, the commander of the Kenya Air Force, is leading the probe.
