Department of Defence has finally revealed the names of 11 KDF Officers who perished in the Ngong chopper crash that occurred on the morning of Thursday 24 June last, in Kajiado County.
A total of 23 passengers were aboard when Mi 17 1E helicopter crash landed while on a training mission at Ol Tepesi, Ngong, in Kajiado County and went up in flames.
12 other officers, who are said to have jumped from the plane when it was almost crashing, sustained injuries and were admitted to Kenya Defense Forces Memorial Hospital where they are undergoing treatment.
During a requiem which was held at the Moi Airbase gymnasium on Thursday, the names of the 11 deceased officers were listed alongside their ranks and the year they joined the service.
Kenya Air Force Commander Major General FO Ogolla eulogized the departed 11 as hardworking and obedient officers.
Ogolla said that they were hard working and dedicated Service Members which earned them respect from their seniors, peers, and juniors.
“It is with deep sorrow that, on behalf of Kenya Air Force – Moi Air Base fraternity I send our heartfelt condolences and sympathy to the families at this moment of grief following the demise of your loved ones and our colleagues,” Ogolla said.
He added that they were devoted, obedient and promising, cheerful and pleasant to work with.
“The cruel hand of death has robbed us dedicated, loyal, and hardworking Service Members who had a bright future in the Kenya Air Force.” reads Ogolla’s message.
The President who is also the Commander in Chief of the Defense forces Uhuru Kenyatta last week visited the injured at the Defence Forces Memorial Hospital following the air crash accident
The C-in-C visited those at the Wards and ICU. He encouraged them and wished them quick recovery.
He expressed his gratitude for their dedication and selfless sacrifice in service to the nation.
Here is the detailed information about the 11 officers as provided by Kenya Air Force:
1. 105149 WO2 Joshua Obare Odera
WO2 Obare was enlisted into the KDF – KAF on May 04, 1990. He was posted to TAEW. During his tenure in the Service, he was honoured with Long Service & Good Conduct, 20 Great Year of Nyayo Era, Ops Linda Nchi and Constitution Medals. By the time of his demise, he was working as a Technician, No. 3 Squadron, a job he did with distinction.
2. 105821 WO2 Tarcisio Wandera Nambok
WO2 Wandera was enlisted into the KDF – KAF on July 18, 1994. He was posted to MAB HQW. During his tenure in the Service, he was honoured with Long Service & Good Conduct, 20 Great Year of Nyayo Era, Ops Linda Nchi and Constitution Medals. By the time of his demise, he was working as a Nurse at BMC, a job he did with distinction.
3. 105870 Ssgt Noah Wanyonyi Munialo
Ssgt Wanyonyi was enlisted into the Kenya KDF – KAF on July 18, 1994. He was posted to TAEW. During his tenure in the Service, he was honoured with Long Service & Good Conduct, 20 Great Year of Nyayo Era, Ops Linda Nchi and Constitution Medals. By the time of his demise, he was working as a Technician, No. 27 Squadron, a job he did with distinction
4. 107671 Ssgt Bob Kipkemoi Aruasa
Ssgt Aruasa was enlisted into the KDF – KAF on August 3, 2002. He was posted to TAEW. During his tenure in the Service, he was honoured with Long Service & Good Conduct, Ops Linda Nchi and Constitution Medals. By the time of his demise, he was working as a Technician, No. 44 Squadron, a job he did with distinction.
5. 107808 Ssgt Anthony Simon Kamuti
Ssgt Kamuti was enlisted into the KDF – KAF on September 23, 2003. He was posted to TAEW. During his tenure in the Service, he was honoured with Long Service & Good Conduct, Ops Linda Nchi and Constitution Medals. By the time of his demise, he was working as a Technician, No. 27 Squadron, a job he did with distinction.
6. 108946 Ssgt Irene Wanjiku Githinji
Ssgt Wanjiku was enlisted into the KDF – KAF on September 1, 2008. She was posted to VIPW. During her tenure in the Service, she was honoured with United Nations and Constitution Medals. By the time of her demise, she was working as a Flight Attendant, a job she did with distinction.
7. 108347 Sgt Josphat Muriuki Maingi
Sgt Muriuki was enlisted into KDF – KAF on February 26, 2007 He was posted to FSW. During his tenure in the Service, he was honoured with United Nations and Constitution Medals. By the time of his demise, he was working as an Air Loadmaster Squadron, a job he did with distinction.
8. 108691 Sgt Steve Ombuka Angwenyi
Sgt Angwenyi was enlisted into KDF – KAF on Oct 29 2007. He was posted to HEW. During his tenure in the Service, he was honoured with Ops Linda Nchi and Constitution Medals. By the time of his demise, he was working as a Technician, No. 14 Squadron, a job he did with distinction.
9. 108820 Sgt Stephen Omarian Omale
Sgt Omale was enlisted into KDF – KAF on October 29, 2007. He was posted to TAEW. During his tenure in the Service, he was honoured with Ops Linda Nchi and Constitution Medals. By the time of his demise, he was working as a Technician, No. 2 Squadron, a job he did with distinction.
10. 109515 Cpl Bonface Ogati Mocheche
Cpl Ogati was enlisted into the KDF – KAF on October 25, 2010. He was posted to FSW. During his tenure in the Service, he was honoured with Ops Linda Nchi Medal. By the time of his demise, he was working as an Air Loadmaster Squadron, a job he did with distinction
11. 110494 Spte Thomas Shekeine
Spte Shekeine was enlisted into the Kenya Defence Forces – Kenya Air Force on December 7, 2014. He was posted to MAB HQW. During his tenure in the Service, he was honoured with Ops Linda Nchi Medal. By the time of his demise, he was working as a Flight Attendant, a job he did with distinction.
