The preliminary investigation suggests that the military helicopter, which tragically claimed the lives of ten service members, including Chief of Defence Forces General Francis Ogolla, was not mechanically sound.
Witnesses reported that the Bell UH-1H Huey II helicopter's propeller was not moving when the chopper went down shortly after takeoff, indicating a possible malfunction.
According to sources close to the investigations, the impact of the crash forced the engine, located on the roof, to cave in, resulting in fatal injuries to those on board.
Additionally, the incident caused the fuel tank to rupture and ignite a fire, further contributing to the fatalities. Autopsies confirmed multiple injuries on all victims.
A team of experts is diligently investigating the cause of the crash. Their focus will center on the helicopter's mechanical state before takeoff and the pilots' condition at the time.
President William Ruto has pledged transparency in disclosing the investigation's report, expressing confidence in the military's professionalism.
He reiterated his administration's commitment to eliminating extra-judicial killings and political assassinations.
"All details will be laid bare on the accident that took the life of General Ogolla," Ruto said two weeks ago during the burial mass of General Ogolla in Ng'iya village, Siaya County.
"I want to assure the country that the Kenya Defence Forces and the Kenya Air Force have the requisite integrity and professionalism to ensure that there will be no shroud of doubt as to what happened to General Ogolla," he added.
Major-General John Omenda, the commander of the Kenya Air Force, is leading the probe.
The crashed chopper was among a fleet of Bell UH-1H Huey II helicopters acquired from the US in 2016. The Huey II helicopter is a workhorse designed for troop transport and search operations.
This incident underscores a critical issue for the Kenyan Air Force: maintaining and modernizing its ageing fleet.
With a fleet acquired from various countries and including models like Pumas, Mi-17s, and Huey UH-1Hs, maintenance becomes a logistical challenge.
This crash marks the fifth military aircraft accident in just one year, raising concerns about safety and capability.
As investigations continue, ceremonies for seven other victims are ongoing, following a joint mass held at the Moi Airbase in Eastleigh. However, a troubling issue has emerged: valuables stolen from the victims by some first responders.
General Ogolla's family received only his wedding ring from the crash site. Efforts are underway to recover missing items, with local leaders urging their return.
A military Board of Inquiry, led by Brig Mohamed Salah Farah from Laikipia Airbase, has been established. Police are actively involved in the investigation.
Leaders from the Nyanza region, particularly affected by the crash, seek closure through a transparent investigation. General Ogolla and nine other officers lost their lives alongside two survivors in the incident. MPs have also called for a commission of inquiry.
Other deceased personnel include Brig Swale Saidi, Colonel Duncan Keittany, and several lieutenants, majors, captains, sergeants, and senior sergeants. General Ogolla was on his way to inspect ongoing renovations at several schools.
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