This archive report was first published on 1 July 2021.
The Kenya Air Force will hold a requiem mass for 11 officers who tragically lost their lives in a helicopter crash at Oltepesi, Kajiado County on June 24.
On Thursday, July 1, the memorial service will take place at the Moi Air Base Gymnasium, where the Kenya Air Force Commander, Maj Gen Francis Ogolla, will lead the ceremony.
Commander Ogolla paid tribute to the fallen officers, describing them as 'devoted, obedient and promising, cheerful and pleasant to work with.'
"They were dedicated, loyal, and hardworking Service Members who had a bright future in the Kenya Air Force," he said.
The 11 officers who lost their lives in the crash have been identified as Warrant officers (WO2) Joshua Obare Odera and Tarcisio Wandera Namboka, Staff sergeant (SSgt) Noah Wanyonyi Munialo, Bob Kipkemoi Aruasa, Anthony Simon Kamuti, Irene Wanjiku Githinji, Sergeant (Sgt) Josphat Muriuki Maingi, Steve Ombuka Angwenyi, Stephen Omarian Omale, Corporal (Cpl) Bonface Ogati Mocheche and Spte Thomas Shekeine.
The helicopter, which was on a training mission, crashed and burst into flames at Eremet area in Oltinga, Kajiado West, killing all 11 on board.
President Uhuru Kenyatta visited the recuperating soldiers at the KDF Memorial Hospital in Mbagathi, Nairobi, a day after the crash.
The cause of the helicopter accident remains unknown, with the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) remaining tight-lipped about the incident.
