MAUREEN WARUINGE ENTERTAINMENT JOURNALIST

19 April 2024

• The family are in shock over their kin killed in Thursday crash.

• She was last at home on Sunday.

Military officer Rose Nyawira , killed in Thursday April 18 chopper crash in Elgeyo Marakwet has been eulogized by her family in Kirinyaga.

Speaking to Citizen digital Friday April 19, her father recalled his last conversation with her. The family is from Mwea.

"She was here on Sunday and we had a great time together. I also saw her off despite the heavy rains. We will miss her," said Kariuki.

"We thought it was a joke until our uncle confirmed her passing. My sister, Ogolla's photographer, had a very bright future," said Martin Kinyua, the deceased's brother.

Another officer John Kinyua Muriithi, above, has also been eulogized by his family in Embu.

According to Citizen, the late officers father, Josphat Muriithi, said he got news of the death Thursday night.

"I am in so much pain," he said.

The chopper carrying CDF Francis Ogolla crashed at the Sindar area in Elgeyo Marakwet County at around 2:20pm.

"Today, at 2:20pm, our nation suffered a tragic air accident in Sindar area, Keben location, Tot division, in Elgeyo Marakwet County. I am deeply saddened to announce the passing on of General Francis Omondi Ogolla, the Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces," President William Ruto said on Thursday.

The deceased are Brigadier Swale Saidi, Colonel Duncan Keittany, Lieutenant Colonel David Sawe, Major George Benson Magondu (Pilot), Captain Sora Mohamed, Captain Hillary Litali, Senior Sergeant John Kinyua Mureithi, Sergeant Cliphonce Omondi, and Sergeant Rose Nyawira.