- Following Ogolla's death, the President announced a three-day national mourning period.
- The Speaker said in line with the President's directive, the opening of the Bunge Towers has been pushed to April 25, 2024.
Image: EZEKIEL AMING'A
Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetang'ula has postponed the opening of Bunge Towers which was scheduled for Friday.
President William Ruto was set to officially open the building for use by the members after completion of construction 14 years on.
This follows the death of Chief of Defence Forces Francis Ogolla and nine other military officers in a tragic air accident at Sindar area, Kaben location, Tot division, in Elgeyo Marakwet County.
Ruto said two military officials survived the accident and are receiving treatment in Nairobi.
Following Ogolla's death, the President announced a three-day national mourning period.
Speaking Thursday evening, the Speaker said in line with the President's directive, the opening of the Bunge Towers has been pushed to April 25, 2024.
"In honour of the tragedy that has befallen our great leader, tomorrow the President was to open the Bunge Towers at Parliament. In consultation with the President’s office, we have postponed the event scheduled for tomorrow to Thursday next week so that we can honour the three days of mourning as per the President's directive," he said.
The President said during the period of national mourning, the Kenyan flag and that of the Kenya Defence Forces, the East African Community and flags of all formations of the military shall fly at half mast in Kenya and Kenyan missions abroad.
Ruto revealed that the Kenya Air Force constituted and dispatched an air investigations team to establish the cause of the air crash.
While condoling with the families of Ogolla and other military officials, Wetang'ula said the officers served the nation selflessly.
"May the bereaved find solace in knowing that he died while steadfastly serving his country with honour and defending the cause of peace," the Speaker said.
"Ogolla's unwavering commitment to duty remains unparalleled, leaving behind a legacy of distinguished service to the nation," he added.
The nine officers who died alongside General Ogolla include Brig Swaleh Saidi, Col Duncan Keitany, Lt Col David Sawe, Major George Benson Magondu (who was also the pilot), Capt Sorah Mohamed, Capt Hillary Litali, Senior Sergeant John Kinywa Mureithi, Sergent Cliffonce Omondi and Sergent Rose Nyawira.
The bodies of the 10 victims were airlifted to Nairobi Thursday night.
Identities of the two survivors was not revealed.