NAIROBI, Kenya Apr 21 – Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga has called for thorough investigations into the chopper crash that killed military chief General Francis Ogolla and nine others.
General Ogolla died on April 18, 2024 when his helicopter went down and burst into flames in Elgeyo Marakwet.
“As a community here (Luo Nyanza), we have suffered tragedies where some of our sons have been assassinated. We had the likes of Tom Mboya, Robert Ouko and others and that is why we are asking for thorough investigations,” he said moments after General Ogolla’s son Joel said the family was satisfied that it was an accident.
“To Ogolla’s son, please be patient, let us wait for investigations,” Oburu said.
Wiper Leader Kalonzo Musyoka urged the government to make public the outcome of investigations so as to put the matter to rest.
“Generals don’t die. They fade away. But here we have a General who crashed in a helicopter. We urge the government to make public the report of the investigations,” Kalonzo said.
Narc Kenya party leader Martha Karua too said “it is important that the investigations are made public.”
Siaya Governor James Orengo said the government must assure Kenyans that an open investigation will be conducted.
“I want to state without fear of contradiction that as the Luo nation we have mourned a lot of great heroes. There was Tom Mboya, Robert Ouko and others and today we are mourning General Ogolla,” he said, “so all we are asking is the truth to come out.”
General Ogolla who was named Chief of Defence Forces in April 2023 died in a helicopter crash in April 18, 2024 and was buried 72 hours later in accordance with his wishes.