Kenya Air Force Revises Flight Protocols After General Ogolla Crash Investigation
The Kenya Air Force has revised its Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) following investigations into the helicopter crash that claimed the life of Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), General Francis Ogolla, along with nine other military personnel.
President William Ruto received the official crash report on Friday at State House, Nairobi. The report was presented by Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya and compiled by the Ministry of Defence’s Board of Inquiry.
According to the findings, the crash was caused by a critical engine malfunction—specifically, a compressor stall—shortly after the aircraft took off from Chesogon in West Pokot County.
“The helicopter suffered engine compressor stall (surge), consistent with witness reports of a loud bang at the engine compartment,” the report states. It further notes that the Measured Gas Temperature (MGT) gauge recorded an over-exceedance of 914°C, indicating catastrophic engine failure.
In response, the Kenya Air Force has implemented corrective measures to mitigate the risk of similar incidents.
“Consequently, Kenya Air Force has updated and reviewed its Standard Operating Procedures to avert future occurrence,” the report affirms.
The ill-fated Bell UH-1H-II (Huey) helicopter, registration KAF 1501, was en route to Uasin Gishu when it crashed at Sindar Village in Kaben Sub-location, Elgeyo Marakwet County. Despite the pilots’ efforts to regain control, the loss of engine power led to a fatal impact.
The investigation ruled out human error, commending the professionalism of the crew.
“The captain was very experienced and competent. He was jovial and interactive with colleagues,” the report observed. “The co-pilot, though slightly reserved, communicated well when required. Crew coordination was less likely to be a contributing factor.”
Those who perished alongside General Ogolla were Brigadier Swale Saidi, Colonel Duncan Keittany, Lieutenant Colonel David Sawe, Major George Magondu, Captain Sora Mohamed, Captain Hillary Litali, Senior Sergeant John Kinyua Mureithi, Sergeant Cliphonce Omondi, and Sergeant Rose Nyawira.
Only two individuals survived the crash: Colonel Kasaine Ole Kuruta and Corporal Frankford Karanja Mogire.
General Ogolla had been visiting troops deployed under Operation Maliza Uhalifu and had just commissioned a school rehabilitation project prior to the incident.
President Ruto, who had pledged full transparency in the investigation, made the report public in line with that commitment.
“No stone will be left unturned,” he stated during General Ogolla’s memorial service.
Also present at the briefing were the new Chief of Defence Forces, General Charles Kahariri; Vice CDF Lieutenant-General John Omenda; and Kenya Air Force Commander, Major-General Fatuma Ahmed.
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Kenya Air Force Revises Flight Protocols After General Ogolla Crash Investigation
