By Lauryne Akoth
Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has appointed a 7 member Aircraft Investigation team to probe aircraft accidents.
In a gazette notice dated 19th April, the CS appointed Captain Peter Maranga to spearhead the investigations as the Chairman of the team.
Eng. Fredrick Aggrey Opot will deputize Maranga as the Vice Chairperson of the investigation team. Additionally, Murkomen appointed 5 members to the task force including Capt. Nduati Herman Njama,
Rtd. Lt. Col. Mike Mulwa, Ephantus Kamau, Capt. Valentine Wendoh, and Capt. Martyn Lunani.
Brenda Mwango was appointed the joint secretary for the team.
The aircraft Investigation team was tasked with the mandate of reviewing all the preliminary accident reports for accidents involving Kenya-registered and/or operated aircraft presented by the Republic of South Sudan and the Federal Republic of Somalia for the last five (5) years.
Furthermore, the team is to launch a probe into any other issues connected to or resulting from the accidents and provide suitable recommendations to prevent future occurrences and enhance aviation safety in Kenya.
The team was also charged with the responsibility of surveying all the air misses in Kenya for the last three years as well as action taken to avoid recurrence.
The task force was given a three-month notice to complete the task. “The investigation team shall conclude its work within three (3) months of this appointment and submit a comprehensive report to the Cabinet Secretary,” read the gazette notice.
Murkomen’s gazette notice follows the fatal Huey helicopter crash that claimed the lives of the Chief of Defence Forces General Francis Ogolla and nine other KDF soldiers.
The late General met his untimely demise on Thursday 18th April at 2:20 p.m. when the aircraft crashed shortly after taking off in Sindar area Kaben location in Elgeyo Marakwet County.
Read more: President Ruto Confirms Demise Of KDF Chief General Francis Ogolla
The transport CS Murkomen eulogized General Ogolla as a man of dignity and great wisdom.
“On many occasions, we had consultations, especially on matters aviation. Just this February, he called on me in my office and we had an extensive conversation on the development of our aviation sector and the good work our defence forces do to defend our borders. May the Lord comfort his family and those of his colleagues during this difficult time,” eulogized Murkomen.
Several leaders such as Azimio leader Raila Odinga have called for thorough investigations into his death.
“It is our prayer that this tragedy may mark the beginning of a serious relook into our security equipment, especially the aircrafts to undertake a complete overhaul and modernization of the equipment. That was the General’s vision,” said Raila.
“More importantly, the government owes this country a thorough, professional, and transparent investigation into this death. Only such an investigation will put the family and the whole nation at peace,” he further added.
Read more: Raila Mourns General Ogolla, Calls For Investigation Into Copter Crash
Former Chief Justice Dr. Willy Mutunga has also called for the immediate set up of a commission inquiry.
Taking to his X page, he stated, ” Given the tragedy that engulfs our country now, a country of rumors 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.”