Opposition leader Raila Odinga has called for thorough investigations into the Chopper Crash that tragically took the lives of Chief Read more
Azimio La Umoja, a political coalition in Kenya, is demanding a two-pronged probe into the circumstances surrounding the helicopter crash that resulted in the tragic death of Chief of Defence Forces General Francis Ogolla. The coalition has expressed dissatisfaction with the military investigation into Ogolla’s death, describing it as opaque, and is now pushing for a parliamentary probe to ensure a thorough and transparent investigation.
This call for a parliamentary inquiry mirrors a similar approach taken in the past when a special parliamentary committee was formed to investigate the murder of former Cabinet Minister Robert Ouko. Azimio is also advocating for a judicial inquest to be conducted alongside the parliamentary investigation to ensure that no stone is left unturned in uncovering the truth behind the helicopter crash.
In both cases, the opposition is emphasizing the importance of including the affected families through their representatives in the investigation process. Azimio has proposed a bicameral approach involving both the National Assembly and the Senate to conduct the probe effectively. Mathare MP Antony Oluoch and Kitui Senator Enoch Wambua have been tasked with leading the process of establishing a joint parliamentary inquiry.
“We have authorised Antony Oluoch and Senator Wambua to lead a process of establishing a joint parliamentary inquiry involving both the Senate and National Assembly into the unfortunate death of General Ogolla,” National Assembly Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi, who read the Parliamentary Group resolution, said.
During a Parliamentary Group meeting chaired by Azimio leader Raila Odinga, it was emphasized that only a parliamentary investigation and judicial inquiry can reveal the true circumstances that led to the deaths of General Ogolla and the other military officers on board the helicopter. The coalition highlighted contradictions between President William Ruto and Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen regarding the investigation, further underscoring the need for an independent and comprehensive probe.
The call for a thorough investigation has been echoed by various political leaders, including Raila Odinga and Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga, who have emphasized the importance of allowing the security personnel to conduct their work and ensure a transparent and professional investigation. The government has also been urged to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation to provide closure to the family and the nation.
During General Ogolla’s burial, leaders from various political parties expressed their condolences and called for peace in regions prone to conflict. National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula urged leaders from bandit-prone regions to promote peace in honor of the fallen CDF. MPs suspended house business to mourn General Ogolla and the other soldiers killed in the crash, emphasizing the need for accountability and justice in the investigation process.
“Already, we are seeing worrying signs. We have noted that Mr. Ruto [President] set up a separate investigation team away from the one gazetted by CS Kipchumba Murkomen in the gazette notice dated 8th April 2024,” Wandayi said.
According to political analysts, the demand for a two-pronged probe into the helicopter crash that claimed the life of General Francis Ogolla reflects the commitment to uncovering the truth and ensuring accountability for the tragic incident. Adding that the call for a parliamentary inquiry and a judicial inquest underscores the importance of transparency and thoroughness in the investigation process to provide closure to the affected families and the nation as a whole.
