Murkomen Sets Up Team To Investigate Aircraft Accidents After KDF Chopper Crash

Transport Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kipchumba Murkomen has appointed a seven-member aircraft accident investigation team to assess the recent reports of accidents involving aircraft registered or operated in Kenya.

This followed the fatal Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) helicopter crash that claimed the life of Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) General Francis Ogolla and nine other KDF soldiers.

In a gazette notice dated April 19, 2024, Murkomen noted that the team to be led by Captain Peter Maranga will review all accident reports involving Kenyan registered and operated aircraft presented by the Republic of South Sudan and the Federal Republic of Somalia for the last five years.

Captain Maranga will be deputised by Eng. Fredrick Aggrey Opot with members of the team being Capt.  Herman Njama, Retired Lt. Col Mike Mulwa, Ephantus Kamau, Capt. Valentine Wendoh and Capt. Martyn Lunani. Brenda Mwango has been appointed as the team's joint secretary.

The aircraft investigation team, according to the gazette notice, will also investigate any other matter relating to or consequential to the accidents and make any appropriate recommendations for the prevention of recurrence and to improve aviation safety in Kenya.

The team will also conduct a survey of all the air misses in Kenya for the last three years.

"The investigation team shall conclude its work within three months of this appointment and a comprehensive report to the Cabinet Secretary," reads the Gazette Notice.

In light of recent cases of aircraft accidents, observers have called on the government to set up a commission to investigate the country's military hardware.

Among those is former Chief Justice Willy Mutunga who called for a Commission of Inquiry following the helicopter crash that claimed the lives of Ogolla and the nine soldiers.

"Given the tragedy that engulfs our country now, a country of rumours and ethnic divisions, it is a good idea to immediately set up a Commission of Inquiry that has robust public participation. An Inquiry that is seen as a cover-up is unacceptable," he stated. 

President William Ruto on Thursday, April 18 announced that the Kenya Air Force dispatched a team to investigate the chopper crash in Elgeyo Marakwet County.

List of 10 military officials who died in the April 18, 2024 chopper crash. /VIRAL TEA KE