Survivor From Killed CDF Ogolla’s Chopper Crash Breaks Silence
Colonel Kasaine Ole Kuruta, one of the two survivors of the helicopter crash that killed former Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Francis Ogolla, has described his recovery path since the tragedy occurred.
Kuruta, who spoke at the memorial service for Ogolla and nine other military officers killed in a helicopter crash on April 18, 2024, reflected on the lessons he learned from the catastrophe.
Addressing his fellow military officers at Moi Air Base in Nairobi, Kasaine said that the recollections of the disaster were a life-changing experience for him and that he had since learned to value time with loved ones.
He went on to discuss his physical and emotional recovery, saying that surviving the helicopter crash had given him a new chance at life.
“Brother Karanja and I carry scars, visible and invisible, but we carry more than just scars, we carry something deeper, a responsibility to live, truly live and live well,” Kuruta stated.
According to the Colonel, Ogolla and the nine officers who died will be remembered not for how they died, but for how they lived and influenced others.
The Colonel went on to praise his wife, who, he claims, played a significant part in his recovery at Defence Memorial Hospital.
Colonel Kasaine Ole Kuruta, one of the two surviving personnel from the crash, gave an emotional reflection on the journey of healing, both physically and emotionally.
— Maj (mst) P E van (@Meja1084) April 17, 2025
“It’s been 365 days that remind us of our privilege to be alive. I’ve learned to treasure time with loved… pic.twitter.com/SDJCHlpVld
“I say thank you, and more so to my beloved wife, who, during the entire time that I was receiving treatment at the Defence Memorial Hospital, stood by my bedside just to have an eye on me and give me the moral support,” the Colonel narrated.
He added, “To the families here today, thank you so much for making us carry the memories of your loved one, we remember them not for how they died but for how they lived, they smiled and mattered.”
Kasaine’s address comes just a day after another survivor of the helicopter crash that killed the former military head emerged for the first time since the disaster.
Frankford Karanja Mogire, a Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) photojournalist and helicopter crash survivor, recently stirred an intense internet controversy.
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This comes after he was photographed beside President William Ruto visiting the Lanet Regional Hospital, part of the Kenya Military Academy in Nakuru County, to present a plaque.
General Ogolla and nine other military commanders were killed on April 18, last year, when a military helicopter crashed in the Sindar Area of Elgeyo Marakwet County.
President Ruto confirmed the officers’ demise during a press conference at State House in Nairobi.
While announcing Ogolla’s death, the Head of State expressed grief and described him as a renowned four-star general who was dedicated to his duties.
Survivor From Killed CDF Ogolla’s Chopper Crash Breaks Silence
