The helicopter crash that claimed the life of Kenya’s Defence Chief, General Francis Omondi Ogolla, along with nine other senior military officers last year, was caused by engine failure, the Ministry of Defence confirmed on Friday.
The tragic accident occurred on April 18, in Elgeyo Marakwet county, a remote area in northwestern Kenya, approximately 400 kilometres from the capital, Nairobi.
Following the incident, the Kenya Air Force deployed a team of investigators, in collaboration with military experts, to determine the cause of the crash involving the Huey Helicopter KAF 1501.
Their findings revealed the aircraft “crashed due to engine malfunction” shortly after take-off from Cheptulel Boys High School, before plunging onto a nearby community farm where it burst into flames upon impact.
A witness on the ground reported hearing a “loud bang” moments before the helicopter experienced a complete power failure, according to the official report.
The investigation included interviews with 12 individuals — among them, three witnesses and two survivors — and found that no major faults had been identified during previous inspections of the aircraft.
The helicopter had undergone two major inspections between June 2021 and October 2023, with the latest maintenance check conducted from April 2 to 4, just weeks before the crash. No serious defects were recorded.
Investigators also ruled out pilot error, noting both aircrews were experienced and fully qualified, making human error “a less likely contributing factor.”
The loss of General Ogolla, a key figure in Kenya’s military leadership, sent shockwaves through the country and prompted a national outpouring of grief.
