Two families from Kirinyaga are grieving the loss of a family member who was one of the nine military personnel who were killed alongside the CDF on Thursday, in addition to Kenyans who are mourning the death of Chief of Defence Forces General Francis Ogolla, who passed away in a tragic helicopter crash on Thursday.

Sergeant Rose Nyawira's father, Peter Wachira Kariuki, who was from the Kagio area of Mwea, confirmed her passing in an interview with Citizen Digital. He noted that he had last spoken to his daughter 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.


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Senior Sergeant John Kinyua Muriithi's family is grieving their son's loss in Kirimunge village, Kirinyaga Central.

Josphat Muriithi, the father of the deceased, reports that he was informed of the tragic news on Thursday night and that he was unable to accept the loss of his son.

He exclaimed, "I'm in so much pain."

At about 2:20 pm, the helicopter carrying General Ogolla crashed near the Sindar area in Elgeyo Marakwet County.

"Today, at 2:20 pm, 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.


In addition, the Head of State declared that the unfortunate helicopter was carrying 11 other military officers, nine of whom perished in the crash with CDF Ogolla, leaving only two alive.

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 were among the deceased. Brigadier Swale Saidi was also among the deceased.