Barasa warns against speculation over General Ogolla's death

Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa. [Benjamin Sakwa, Standard]

Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa has urged Kenyans to stop speculation over the cause of death of Chief of Defense Forces General Francis Ogolla and await the outcome of the investigation into the helicopter crash.

The helicopter crash in Elgeyo Marakwet county on Thursday last week also claimed the lives of eight military officers.

Speaking in Kakamega town when he presided over the Apostolic and Prophetic Conference, Barasa urged Kenyans to give investigators ample time to do the work.

“We are going through trying moments, we have lost senior leaders in Kenya  Defence Forces (KDF) starting from the CDF and I know the KDF family is going through a trying moment, therefore let us stop speculation until we get the full report from investigators on what caused the accident and as a church and people of God let's pray for our country so that peace can prevail,” he said.

The governor condoled with the family of the late Captain Hillary Litali from Navakholo Constituency who perished in the helicopter crash.

Deputy Governor Ayub Savula urged Kenyans to be patient as authorities investigate the helicopter crash.

"Let us avoid conjecture and allow the investigative process to unfold. Our focus should be on supporting the families of the victims and honouring the memory of those we have lost. Together, we can navigate this sorrowful period with dignity and resilience." said Savula.

Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi called for speedy and thorough investigations into the death of the late CDF Ogolla and eight gallant soldiers.

“We are demanding the government led by President William Ruto to immediately launch and speed up investigations into the death of our late CDF Ogolla, we are aware accidents happened but we are demanding answers so that we can know what transpired and caused the death,” said Osotsi.

Kakamega County Bishops chairman Bishop Nicholas Olumasai echoed the leaders' sentiments and called for transparency in the investigations.