Azimio calls for inquest into General Ogolla's death, appoints two MPs to lead team

The Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition party has called for both a judicial and Parliamentary inquest into the death of Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) General Francis Ogolla, who was killed in a helicopter crash last week.

Led by Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi, the opposition legislators made the demands in Nairobi on Tuesday following a Parliamentary Group (PG) meeting attended by principals Raila Odinga, Kalonzo Musyoka, Eugene Wamalwa, Mwangi wa Iria, Jeremiah Kioni, George Wajackoyah among others.

"On the death of General Ogolla, the PG shared deep condolences with his family and the families of those who perished with him," said Wandayi in a joint statement to the press.

"Further, the PG called for a judicial inquest into the accident and death as opposed to mere investigation led by the military that is closed to civilians. We also demand that families of the victims be independently represented in the investigation and inquest.”

On the Parliamenatry inquest, the opposition nominated Mathare Member of Parliament Anthony Oluoch and Kitui Senator Enoch Wambua to lead the team.

The Azimio legislators further raised concerns about the establishment of separate investigation teams to probe General Ogolla's death, highlighting President William Ruto's move to set up separate team from the one initially designated by Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen.

This even as President Ruto welcomed thorough investigations into Ogolla's death, while CS Murkomen refuted claims of constituting a team to probe the helicopter crash.

"Already, we are seeing worrying signs. We have noted that Mr. Ruto set up a separate investigation team away from the one gazetted by CS Kipchumba Murkomen in the gazette notice dated 8th April 2024," said Wandayi.

General Ogolla was laid to rest on Saturday at his home in Ng’iya, Siaya County, without a coffin, only a piece of cloth covering his body as per his wishes.

He was accorded a 19-gun salute similar to the late former presidents Mwai Kibaki and Daniel Moi. Mourners also observed a minute of silence in honour of the departed Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) boss.

A memorial service in his honour initially scheduled for Friday, April 26, 2024, at the Ulinzi Sports Complex in Lang’ata, has since been postponed.

The KDF, in a joint statement with the late General's family on Monday, stated that a new date for the memorial service will be announced in the coming days.