In a post on X by Capital News, a military investigation into the tragic helicopter crash that claimed the life of Kenya’s Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), General Francis Ogolla, and nine other senior military officers has concluded that an engine malfunction was the primary cause of the disaster.
The findings, announced today by the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), shed light on the April 18, 2024, incident that plunged the nation into mourning and raised questions about the safety of military aircraft.
The crash occurred shortly after takeoff in Kaben, Elgeyo Marakwet County, when the Bell UH-1H Huey II helicopter, carrying General Ogolla and his entourage, went down at approximately 2:20 PM local time.
The group was en route to inspect troops deployed under Operation Maliza Uhalifu in the North Rift region and to oversee school renovation projects. Two KDF personnel survived the crash and have since been assisting investigators.
According to the probe, led by Lieutenant General J.M. Omenda, a critical failure in the helicopter’s engine led to a loss of power, causing the aircraft to plummet. Preliminary reports noted that witnesses described an unusually loud noise from the helicopter and sluggish blade rotation just before it crashed, which supports the theory that the engine failed.
The investigation, described as lengthy and thorough, also looked at maintenance records, the training of the pilots, and all operational procedures but did not find any sign of foul play or outside interference.
It was confirmed that the crash was caused by an unexpected engine malfunction. Authorities say they are now working on ways to make sure such a tragedy does not happen again.
General Ogolla, who was appointed CDF in April 2023, was respected for his strong leadership and deep commitment to the military. His death was a huge loss to the country and marked the first time a sitting head of the Kenyan military had died while on active duty.
This led to a national outpouring of grief and increased demands for better safety measures in the military. President William Ruto, who declared three days of mourning after the accident, promised that the investigation would be open and honest.
The Bell Huey II, an American-made helicopter that Kenya purchased in 2016, has been in several crashes in recent years. This has raised serious questions about its dependability. Some experts and critics have blamed the military’s use of aging helicopters and limited budgets for repairs and maintenance as key factors behind these repeated accidents.
Many are now calling for a complete review of Kenya’s military aviation safety standards.
