Senior Sergeant John Muriithi killed in KDF chopper crash buried in Kirinyaga

Senior Sergeant John Kinyua Muriithi, a military personnel who died in the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) helicopter crash last week, was on Friday laid to rest at their home in Kirimunge Village, Kirinyaga County.

Sergeant Muriithi was among the nine military officers who died together with Chief of Defence Forces General Francis Ogolla after their chopper crashed at Sindar area in Kaben, Elgeyo  Marakwet County.

Hundreds of friends and family turned up at Kirimunge Primary School ground for the burial of the 38-year-old, which was led by the local church where his father Josphat Muriithi is a catechist.

Family members described the Senior Sergeant as a devoted, obedient, and hardworking man who was determined to be the best in his filed.

Church leaders led by Kirimunge Catholic Chairman Mr Kathura said the deceased loved the local church and the development of the area.

Kirinyaga Deputy Governor David Wachira Githanda represented the county government of Kirinyaga.

Kirinyaga Central MP Gachoki Gitari appealed to the warring communities in the North Rift to silence their guns and give peace a chance in honour of the fallen soldiers.

Kirinyaga West Deputy County Commissioner John Mbugua who was also present stood in for County Commissioner Hussein Hallow.

Senior Sergeant Muriithi has left behind a widow - Grace Wambui - and their two children.

On Thursday, another military personnel who was also in the ill-fated chopper, Sergeant Rose Nyawira was buried at Kagio town in Mwea West sub-county, which is just about 10 kilometres away from Kirimunge village.