Father of solider killed in KDF helicopter crash learnt of son's death online

•His death was announced by President Ruto.

• Hilary Litali was the first born in his family.

KDF chopper crashes, catches fire in West Pokot 
Image: COURTESY

Chief of Defense Forces Francis Ogolla died along 9 others in a helicopter crash Thursday April 18 in Sindar, Elgeyo Marakwet.

His death was announced by President Ruto.

Among the dead was a soldier named Hilary Litali.

His father spoke to NTV Friday April 19, about learning of his sons death on social media.

"He was our first born"

The father described his late son as a visionary, very religious and hardworking.

Hilary was also a very sociable man "Kijana mwenye bidii, mwenye mawazo sawa kijana mchapa kazi" he shared.

hilary
hilary

The faces of the military officers were made public early Friday April 19, with President Ruo declaring a three day national mourning period in honor of the lives and distinguished military career of these fallen heroes.

"Kijana ambaye tumeweza kumpoteza habari zake za kifo tuliweza kuzipata , mimi binafsi niliweza kuzipata mwendo wa saa kumi kuptiai kwa njia ya mtandao social media. Kuna mtu alinitumia list akaniambia angalia list na youtube alafu unijibu. Nikwambia sitafanya kazi na mambo kama haya kwasababu kama kuna jambo limefanyika na nimeona kwa social media, nitapigiwa direct na KDF wenyewe"

The news was alter delivered personally to the lates family.

"Kwa hivyo tuliendelea na mchanganyiko huo, hadi waakati wa karibu saa moja na nusu, ndio tulipata officers kutoka KDF wakikuja ku report kwamba kijan wetu ameweza kupata ajali pamoja na wenzake mkubwa wake Bwana Ogolla na wameweza kuaga sehemu za Elgeyo Marakwet.

Kenyans are sharing an undated video of Hilary dancing in a parking lot of an apartment building.

He was dressed in military gear, beside a blue vehicle to a Nigerian song. A friend in the background can be heard encouraging the dancing military man asking if he is enjoying himself "The late Capt Hilary Litali. Man was a vibe. Rest well" captioned the friend. 

courteys ntv
courteys ntv

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