- The Kikuyu MP spoke on Tuesday in House and condoled with the family of the Chief of Defence Forces General Francis Ogolla.
- Ichung’wah said modernising military equipment will serve to avert such accidents in the future.
Image: KIMANI ICHUNG'WAH
National Assembly Majority leader Kimani Ichung’wa has asked the government to consider modernising military equipment to enhance the safety of officers.
He said consideration should also be made to acquire a modern presidential jet to replace the current one that's been in use since the late 80s.
"At times the military comes before the House looking for resources to modernise equipment. I have heard many members during the budget-making process criticise without military knowledge," he said.
"The helicopter crash probably allows us as we consider the next few years' budgets this coming financial year and the next years to seriously consider the modernisation of all our military equipment."
The Kikuyu MP spoke on Tuesday in House and condoled with the family of the Chief of Defence Forces General Francis Ogolla.
Ogolla and nine other military officials died in a helicopter crash on Thursday, April 18.
Ichung’wah said modernising military equipment will serve to avert such accidents in the future.
"Including the aircraft that we use not just in the military but also in the police and including the Presidential Jet which was purchased in the late 1980s by the former President Daniel Moi, this offers that opportunity to reconsider all this equipment," he said.
The lawmaker said that military officials give their lives to protect Kenyans against any attack and ensure the country is peaceful and secure.
The chopper that claimed the lives of Ogolla and other officers came down at Sindar area, Tot division on the border between Elgeyo Marakwet and Uasin Gichu counties.
Captain Hillary Litali, Captain Sora Mohamed, Colonel Duncan Keitany, Senior Sergeant John Kinyua Mureithi, Sergeant Cliphonce Omondi, Major George Benson Magondu, Brigadier Swale Saidi and Sergeant Rose Nyawira also perished in the crash.
Ogolla was leading the team on a peace mission in the troubled Rift Valley region, which has been plagued by cattle rustling and banditry.
Ichung’wa said as Kenyans mourn their demise, they should also remember the families they have left behind.
MPs are Wednesday set to hold a special session on the floor of the House to pay tribute to the late General Francis Ogolla.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula said the House Business Committee will also prioritise a motion that seeks to have the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) and other Special Forces personnel given priority boarding all local airlines.
The motion sponsored by Lamu East MP Captain Ruweida Obo was first introduced in the House in October last year.
“This will not only give an opportunity to the member to move her motion but also accord other members to honour the legacy of the late General Francis Ogolla and recognise the contribution of KDF in defending Kenya’s sovereignty,” Wetangula said.