Kalonzo Demands Probe into General Ogolla Helicopter Crash, Offers to Testify

Wiper Democratic Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has demanded an independent investigation into the helicopter crash that claimed the life of Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) General Francis Ogolla. Kalonzo questioned the government’s explanation and said he is ready to testify before the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).Speaking at a public event, Kalonzo dismissed the official report that blamed the April 18 crash on mechanical failure, accusing authorities of dodging accountability.“Tell DCI Amin to summon me right now. Tutaenda kule Kenya nzima kwa miguu, na Gen Z wote, because what I was saying is we ask simple, basic questions,” Kalonzo said. “Sio kazi ya CDF kutumwa aende aka-inspect primary school.”The Bell Huey military helicopter (KAF 1501) went down in Elgeyo Marakwet County, killing General Ogolla and nine other Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) officers. The Ministry of Defence said the aircraft suffered a sudden engine surge, leading to total power failure. Eyewitnesses reported hearing a loud bang from the engine before the chopper hit the ground.Kalonzo, however, raised concerns over the speed of the government’s conclusions, suggesting a possible cover-up of negligence or deeper issues within the security sector.“Bringing down a helicopter carrying the CDF isn’t just negligence; it’s criminal negligence,” he said. “There’s no excuse for this. I still demand a commission to uncover the truth. Maybe they thought this matter was over – it’s not.”He also questioned why the CDF was assigned to inspect schools, calling the task inappropriate and beneath the role of the country’s top military officer.Kalonzo further hinted at political interference, suggesting General Ogolla’s powerful role in the National Security Council might have made him a target.“The Commander-in-Chief, William Ruto, and the CDF are the most protected individuals in this country. You don’t take chances with their safety,” he said.His remarks have reignited national debate over military accountability and aviation safety, intensifying pressure on the government and Defence Ministry to revisit the circumstances surrounding the fatal crash.