Families in Kirinyaga mourn kin killed in KDF chopper crash alongside General Ogolla

Speaking to Citizen Digital, Peter Wachira Kariuki, the father of the late Sergeant Rose Nyawira who hails from Kagio area in Mwea, confirmed the passing of his daughter, highlighting that he last spoke to her on Sunday.

"She was here on Sunday and we had a great time together. I also saw her off despite the heavy rains.  We will miss her," said Kariuki.

"We thought it was a joke until our uncle confirmed her passing. My sister, Ogolla's photographer, had a very bright future," said Martin Kinyua, the deceased's brother.

Elsewhere in Kirimunge village, Kirinyaga Central, the family of Senior Sergeant John Kinyua Muriithi is mourning the death of their son.

The deceased's father, Josphat Muriithi, says he received the sad news on Thursday night adding that he could not come to terms with his son's passing.

"I am in so much pain," he said.

The chopper carrying General Ogolla crashed at the Sindar area in Elgeyo Marakwet County at around 2:20pm.

"Today, at 2:20pm, our nation suffered a tragic air accident in Sindar area, Keben location, Tot division, in Elgeyo Marakwet County. I am deeply saddened to announce the passing on of General Francis Omondi Ogolla, the Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces," President William Ruto said on Thursday.

The Head of State also announced that the ill-fated helicopter was carrying 11 other military officers, nine of whom were killed alongside CDF Ogolla in the crash, leaving only two survivors.

The deceased were; Brigadier Swale Saidi, Colonel Duncan Keittany, Lieutenant Colonel David Sawe, Major George Benson Magondu (Pilot), Captain Sora Mohamed, Captain Hillary Litali, Senior Sergeant John Kinyua Mureithi, Sergeant Cliphonce Omondi, and Sergeant Rose Nyawira.