National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula has announced that the official opening of the Kes 9.6 billion Bunge Tower, which was initially set for Friday, has been postponed to next week.

Speaking on Thursday night, Wetangula said the launch, which was supposed to be presided over by President William Ruto, had been pushed following the tragic death of Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) General Francis Ogolla.

General Ogolla died in a helicopter crash on Thursday at the Sindar area in Elgeyo Marakwet County, alongside nine other military personnel.

Speaker Wetangula, who also chairs the Parliamentary Service Commission, now says the Bunge Tower will be opened on Thursday, April 25, beginning at 9am.

“As you are aware, tomorrow, Friday, April 24, 2024, President William Ruto was scheduled to officially open the Bunge Tower. However, this evening, in his address to the Nation, His Excellency the President announced the unfortunate and untimely demise of General Francis Ogolla, the CDF, who died in a helicopter crash alongside nine other gallant officers this afternoon,” Wetangula stated in a letter to MPs.

“Following the tragic event, the President has announced three days of national mourning. In view of the foregoing, this is to notify you that the official opening Ceremony of the Bunge Tower that was scheduled to take place tomorrow has been postponed.”

“The official opening ceremony has been rescheduled and shall now be held next week, Thursday, 25th April 2024 from 9.00 am.”