Author: Agencies

A day after the death of Chief of Defense Forces Francis Ogolla, scanty details are emerging on the circumstances that might have led to his demise.

In a report filed by NTV, it is mentioned that Ogolla and his entourage were supposed to use a different chopper on their way to inspect Chesitet Primary School, Cheptulel Boys High School, Chepoton Primary School, Ksaa Primary School, and Sablimoi Primary School as part of his working tour.

However, a last-minute swap saw them using a Kenya Air Force Huey Helicopter, with details behind the use remaining scanty.

This comes even as Kenyans continue to ask more questions that could have led to the death of Kenya’s highest-ranking military officer.

Addressing the issue on his X account, the outspoken Embakasi East Member of Parliament, Babu Owino, took to social media to articulate crucial inquiries while urging swift and thorough investigations into the incident.

Among the pressing questions raised by the legislator was the inquiry into the whereabouts of the West Commander at the time of the tragic occurrence, hinting at a potential gap in command and oversight during the fateful flight.

Babu Owino further queried the absence of other key military figures, such as the Defense Forces Sergeant Major and the Army Commander.

“Why was the whole CDF using one Helicopter with no 50ACB Helicopter Escort in an operation area?” Babu Owino questioned.

Additionally, he scrutinized the logistical aspects of the flight, questioning the adequacy of security measures, including the absence of a designated 50ACB Helicopter Escort and the utilization of a single helicopter for such a high-profile mission.

The MP also pondered the composition of the entourage accompanying the CDF, highlighting the absence of senior officers and raising concerns about the protocols observed during the inspection visit to a school in the operation.

“Who gives a parade to CDF in an operation when he is about to inspect his troops and how many helicopters should a CDF use while visiting an operation area?” Babu Owino questioned.

President William Ruto officially confirmed the death of Chief of Defence Forces Francis Ogolla Thursday night.

Azimio questions crash

Azimio La Umoja Leaders Poses Tough Questions To President William Ruto In Light Of CDF Francis Ogolla’s Death.

Azimio Leaders: The following are key questions that Kenyans need answers:

1. Is it a routine for a CDF to inspect classroom construction or was it a directive from somewhere?
2. Was it normal for him to be in a chopper with so many other military personnel?
3. Was this his designated chopper and if not where was his designated chopper?

The late Chief of Defence Forces General Francis Omondi Ogolla created good memories with his family members in his life and times.

Photos of key moments he spent with his family members paint a picture of a man who had special attention for the people he loved.

General Ogolla leaves behind a widow, Aileen Kathambi Ogolla and two children; Lorna Achieng’ Omondi and Joel Rabuku Omondi Ogolla.

He also leaves behind a daughter-in-law; Muthoni Njenga Mwaura and a grandson by the name Taji Mbarara.

He is set to be laid to rest today at his Ng’iya home in Alego Usonga in Siaya County.

Ogolla died in a plane crash in West Pokot on Thursday while in the line of duty.

Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) is now going after the people who have bought land but never declared their source of income.

It has now been observed that a number of taxpayers have been receiving text messages from the taxman demanding them to submit documents to support stamp duty paid on assets they bought in the past five years.

The duty is levied on legal instruments such as cheques, receipts, military commissions, marriage licenses, land transactions and shares.

“Dear Esteemed Taxpayer, records held in our office indicate that you purchased the property and paid a stamp duty. An analysis of the returns filed on iTax shows that you filed returns for the years 2019 to 2022. In this regard, we wish to verify your source of funds for the said transaction,” a message from KRA reads.

The revenue agency now wants affected individuals to provide several documents to support the verification process.

It wants copies of sales agreements, financial statements for the period when the property was acquired and bank statements for the affected year.

“You are required to provide the above documents within a week from the date of the notice, failure to which, necessary corrective measures shall be taken including issuing of additional assessments where applicable without further reference to you.”

This directive is also seen to be targeting tax evader such as those making big purchases like high end cars while filing nill returns in annual tax.

It will also affect those who have bought properties through proxies who can’t prove their source of wealth. Something that’s rampant with tenderprenuers.

An Israeli long-distance aircraft fired missiles at Iranian Air Force assets in Iran’s central Isfahan province, The Jerusalem Post newspaper said.

The daily, however, did not provide a source for the allegation.

Iranian state media reported early Friday that air defenses were activated against suspicious objects in several cities, including Isfahan, amid reports of an alleged Israeli attack.

The semi-official Mehr News Agency said three drones were destroyed in the skies above Isfahan.

Iran’s state television confirmed “massive explosions” in Isfahan, but said no nuclear facilities were affected or targeted in the central city.

US media reports, citing officials, said that Israel had carried a strike inside Iran.

There was no official Israeli comment yet on reports of launching attacks inside Iran.

Tension escalated between Iran and Israel after Tehran launched a drone and missile attack on Saturday in response to the April 1 attack on its consulate in Syria, in which seven military advisers were killed.

Israel, which has not formally taken responsibility for the consulate attack, has vowed a military response to Iran’s weekend attack.

Israel is the only Middle East country that has F-35 aircraft capable of reaching Iran while avoiding radar detection.

Israeli officials have previously hinted in recent years at the possibility of using this type of aircraft in attacks against Iran.

A short text message sent by the late Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Francis Ogolla, then Vice Chief of Defence Forces, to his boss Gen Robert Kibochi saved his career amidst high-stakes politics during the tallying of the 2022 presidential election results.

The SMS, sent during a period of escalating tensions  at the Bomas of Kenya National Tallying Centre, showed Ogolla’s unwavering commitment to the non-partisan role of the military. The text read: “Sir, this is not about security but about politics.”

In May last year, in live media interview, Ruto said that he called Ogolla and sat him down.

“I told him, my friend, you went to Bomas to try and overturn my victory, but because you are the best person to be general, I am going to give you the job. That is how it works with me,” he pointed out.

“He told me, ‘I have no defence; you do with me whatever you want. What I did was wrong’. What exercised my mind is that yes, this gentleman might have made a mistake, maybe because the commander in chief at the time told him what to do.”

Details emerging show that Ogolla shared the message when he met Ruto after he was sworn in, when those in Kenya Kwanza were baying for the blood of those believed to be former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s allies.

Ogolla told the president, “On going to Bomas, I am guilty as charged. If there was a court martial, I would not escape it. I went there with PAS Kennedy Kihara on advice from the NSAC. The whole reasoning was that there was tension in the country, and, therefore, we needed to have IEBC declare results. On arrival, we met Chebukati, but Kihara delved into politics and started saying that IEBC needed to kneel to the results. I immediately sent a text to Gen Kibochi saying, ‘Sir, this is not about security but about politics. That text I have, and it’s here.”

At that moment, Ogolla showed President Ruto the text, and within weeks, he was appointed CDF.

Gen Ogolla was among the members of the National Security Advisory Committee (NSAC) that arrived at the tallying centre to meet IEBC chairman Wafula Chebukati on the day he was to announce the presidential election winner.

This  NSAC contingent was led by Kennedy Kihara, the Principal Administrative Secretary in the Office of the President, along with other key figures. Chebukati later learned of their arrival through Deputy Inspector of Police Noor Gabow, who relayed the message from the head of the public service.

 “The arrival of the NSAC delegation was preceded by a call from the head of public service informing me that he had sent a team that would like to discuss the assumption of office,” Chebukati noted in his affidavit during the Supreme Court hearing of the presidential petition by Azimio’s Raila Odinga.

Chebukati scheduled a meeting with NSAC at 2pm. “Since NSAC was already ushered in, we proceeded to listen to their message,” Chebukati said.

Kihara, representing NSAC, emphasised the gravity of their visit and the importance of the message they had to convey.

“Kihara told Chebukati that if he declared Ruto the President-elect, the country was going to burn,” as skirmishes had reportedly started based on alleged betrayal.

Kihara warned of potential bloodshed and urged consideration of an alternative path, including a runoff. The NSAC left around 3 PM, and CEO Marjan Hussein entered the boardroom with the final results shortly after.

Four commissioners contested the results, calling for adjustments based on the NSAC’s demands, with Cherera proposing specific changes. However, Guliye and Mulo refused to comply, emphasising adherence to constitutional mandates.

“I maintained that I would not sit and discuss the subversion of the will of the people,” Chebukati emphasised. Despite protests, Chebukati proceeded with announcing the final results as verified and tallied by the commission. Ruto garnered 7,176,141 (50.49 percent) of the votes, narrowly beating his rival, Raila Odinga, who managed 6,942,930 votes (48.85 percent).

After being sworn in, KDF appointments were due, and weeks later, Ruto promoted Ogolla, then Lieutenant General, to the esteemed rank of General, appointing him as the new CDF, which marked a significant milestone in Kenya’s military leadership.

Ruto clarified that he is keen to make deliberate appointments, and his decisions are not dictated by an individual’s affiliation, provided that they have a stellar track record. “I could have appointed anybody I had. I think I had 10 choices. People say that I appointed Ogolla because he was the deputy CDF, but that is not the case.”

President Ruto’s decision to appoint Ogolla as CDF was not without controversy, as critics raised concerns about his alleged involvement in electoral politics. However, he defended his choice, citing Ogolla’s qualifications and track record of service.

In reflecting on Ogolla’s legacy, President Ruto emphasised the importance of meritocracy in leadership appointments. “Many things that are part of my system outweighed what he had done,” Ruto stated.

“This is a moment of great sadness for myself as the Commander-in-Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces, the Kenya Defence Forces fraternity, and the nation at large,” Ruto said on Thursday.

Ogolla’s appointment followed the ‘Tonje Rules,’ a rotational mechanism that governs the selection of the CDF. President Ruto was obligated to appoint Ogolla, who served as the Kenya Air Force Commander, as the next CDF, continuing a tradition.

Born on February 12, 1962, in Siaya County, General Ogolla embarked on his military journey by graduating from the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) as a cadet on May 2, 1984. His rapid ascent through the ranks reflected his exceptional leadership and dedication to duty.

Over the years, General Ogolla held pivotal roles within the KDF, including Commanding Officer of Laikipia Air Base Tactical Flight Wing (2007) and Base Commander of Laikipia Air Base (2008–2014). His promotions to Brigadier in 2012, Deputy Air Force Commander, and ultimately Major General and Commander of the Kenya Air Force underscored his exemplary service and strategic vision.

In July 2021, General Ogolla’s outstanding contributions were further recognised when he was promoted to Lieutenant General and appointed as the Vice Chief of the Defence Forces. This pivotal position prepared him for the ultimate promotion to general and his appointment as Chief of the Defence Forces on April 28, 2023.

General Ogolla’s educational achievements paralleled his military success. He held a diploma in International Studies and Military Science from Egerton University, a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, Armed Conflict, and Peace Studies, and a Master of Arts in International Studies from the University of Nairobi. Additionally, he completed advanced military training at the École Militaire de Paris and the National Defence College of Kenya.

Throughout his illustrious career, General Ogolla received numerous accolades, including the Moran of the Golden Heart (MGH), the Elder of the Burning Spear (EBS), and the Head of State Commendation. These honours reflected his unwavering commitment to national service and his profound impact on Kenya’s military landscape.

In announcing his death alongside nine other senior officers, Ruto said Gen Ogolla boarded the Kenya Air Force Huey helicopter and left Nairobi Thursday morning.

The president said that the CDF was on a trip to visit troops deployed in the North Rift under Operation Maliza Uhalifu and to inspect the ongoing school renovation works in five schools, which included Chesitet Primary School, Cheptulel Boys High School, Chepoton Primary School, Ksaa Primary School, and Sablimoi Primary School, as part of his working tour.

“The CDF had been briefed on the security situation by a multi-agency team stationed at Chesitetin Baringo County, after which he proceeded to the Kainuk Forward Operating Base in Turkana County, where he addressed troops, commending them for their resilience and operational successes,” Ruto said.

The President said Ogolla and his team proceeded from Kainuk to Chesegon in West Pokot County, where he initiated the rehabilitation of Cheptulel Boys High School.

Afterwards, they departed Chesegon for the Recruits Training School in Uasin Gishu County, where he was set to inspect construction projects at the institution. Regrettably, the aircraft crashed shortly after take-off at 2:20 pm.

While the country is coming to terms with the death of Chief of Defence Forces General Francis Ogolla, a lot of questions and theories surrounding his death continue to flood the media spaces.

Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has added his voice to the many who’re seeking answers into the helicopter crash that killed the general and other military personnel.

“If all these Questions can be answered then our Hearts may stop Bleeding.Otherwise Mambo ni Tatu.” The MP says in his post.

Below is a compilation of Babu’s questions:

1)Where was the west com commander?
2)Where was the Defense forces Sgt major?
3) Where was the Army commander?
4) Why was a whole CDF using one Helicopter with no 50ACB Helicopter Escort in an operation area?
5) Why was he in the company of junior officers only?
6) Which rank should fly a Helicopter used by the CDF?
7) Who gives parade to CDF in an operation when he is about to inspect his troops?
8)How many Helicopters should a CDF use while visiting an operation area?
9)Why was he the only one to inspect a school and not his juniors?
10)Who should be the next CDF going by the Tonje Rules and who will DEPUTIZE him,will that Deputy be the CDF by 2027?
11)Why is Gen.Ogolla dead just after the recent changes in KDF?

Ogolla perished Thursday alongside nine other military officials in a helicopter crash that went up in flames in Elgeyo Marakwet. There were two survivors.

President William Ruto who confirmed Ogolla’s death said the plane carrying the General and other commanders took off from a primary school in Elgeyo Marakwet shortly after 2pm. Witnesses said it went down at Kaben area shortly afterwards.

“I am deeply saddened to announce the passing on of the Chief of Defence Forces General Francis Ogolla Omondi,” President William Ruto said and declared three days of mourning during which flags will fly at half-mast.

Following the tragedy, President William Ruto summoned an urgent National Security Council meeting ahead of a formal announcement.

He was named to the top post by President William Ruto, taking over from General Robert Kibochi who proceeded on retirement.

According to the president, the CDF, onboard the Kenya Air Force Huey Helicopter, had left Nairobi on Thursday morning, to visit troops deployed in the North Rift
under Operation Maliza Uhalifu, and to inspect the ongoing school renovations works.

As part of his working tour, the CDF had been briefed on the security situation by a multi-agency team stationed at Chesitet in Baringo County, after which he proceeded to the Kainuk Forward Operating Base in Turkana County, where he addressed troops, commending them for their resilience and operational
successes.

The CDF and his entourage departed from Kainuk to Chesegon, West Pokot County, where he launched the rehabilitation of Cheptulel Boys High School.

He then departed Chesegon for the Recruits Training School in Uasin Gishu County, where he was scheduled to inspect construction facilities at the institution.
Unfortunately, the aircraft crashed shortly after take-off,” President Ruto said in announcing the shocking deaths.

General Ogolla, who took over from General Robert Kibochi in April 2023 when he was appointed by President Ruto, had a distinguished career spanning decades.

A fighter jet pilot by training, he joined the Kenya Defence Forces in April 1984 and was commissioned as 2nd Lieutenant in May 1985, starting his journey in the Kenya Air Force.

In recent years, Kenya has made significant strides in environmental conservation, with initiatives like the ban on plastic bags symbolizing our commitment to a cleaner, greener future.
However, amidst these efforts, a glaring hypocrisy persists: the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) failing to enforce its own directives.

The 2017 plastic bag ban was hailed as a significant milestone in addressing solid waste issues in our country. As a concerned miller, I am disheartened by NEMA’s inertia in tackling plastic bag policy violations.

Despite the ban, some millers continue to flagrantly disregard the law, endangering our ecosystem and public health. What’s even more alarming is the apparent complicity of certain NEMA officials in turning a blind eye to these violations in exchange for personal gain. Reports of corruption within NEMA raise serious questions about the agency’s commitment to its mandate of safeguarding our environment.

The recent warnings issued by NEMA in November 2023 to manufacturers and importers regarding the illegal use of plastic bags ring hollow in the face of continued non-compliance. It’s high time for NEMA to end this cycle of hypocrisy and negligence. Mere warnings are not enough; concrete action is needed to hold violators accountable. The law is clear, and those who flout it must face consequences.

The consequences of NEMA’s negligence are dire and far-reaching. While we strive to adhere to the principles of sustainability, our competitors exploit regulatory loopholes to gain a competitive advantage, flooding the market with secondary bales made of cheap, plastic-packaged products.

What adds insult to injury is the blatant disparity in pricing between products packaged in plastic and those in compliance with the ban. Despite the exorbitant costs incurred in producing non-plastic packaging, some millers shamelessly cling to the use of plastic bags, driven solely by the allure of higher profit margins.

Meanwhile, those of us who have embraced sustainable practices find ourselves marginalized, struggling to compete in a market where price trumps principle.

It is travesties of justice that while honest millers suffer; those who flout the law are allowed to thrive with impunity. Reports of substandard flour flooding the shelves of supermarkets go unchecked, as NEMA turns a blind eye to the plight of those who play by the rules. The very essence of fairness and justice is being trampled upon, as the scales of accountability are tipped in favor of the unscrupulous few.

Even supermarkets, supposedly bastions of corporate responsibility, are complicit in this environmental travesty by turning a blind eye to the origins of the products they sell.

However, these warnings have fallen on deaf ears, with millers persisting in their use of plastic bags, emboldened by the lack of enforcement and oversight.

It’s high time for NEMA to uphold the law without fear or favor, ensuring that those responsible for environmental degradation face the full force of the law. The livelihoods of honest businesses, the well-being of our communities, and the integrity of our nation’s environmental laws hang in the balance.

The ban on plastic bags was not just a policy; it was a beacon of hope for a cleaner, greener future.

NEMA, entrusted with the solemn duty of safeguarding our environment, seems to have abdicated its responsibility. It’s disheartening to witness the agency’s failure to enforce its own directives, especially when it comes to something as crucial as the ban on plastic bags.

It is time for NEMA to end this cycle of hypocrisy and negligence. The livelihoods of honest, law-abiding millers are at stake, as they struggle to compete with those who flout the law for financial gain.

NEMA must fulfill its duty to the Kenyan people and the environment by rigorously enforcing the ban on plastic bags, holding violators accountable, and ensuring that our supermarkets refuse to stock products packaged in non-compliant materials.

The law is unequivocal in its stance against the use of plastic bags. Section 145 of the Environmental Management and Coordination Act (EMCA), 1999, clearly outlines the penalties for non-compliance, holding both corporate entities and individuals accountable for their actions.

Yet, despite warnings and directives some institutions continue to operate with impunity, flouting the law and endangering our environment. I implore NEMA to shed its cloak of hypocrisy and fulfill its mandate to protect our environment and public health.

The time for action is now.

Kenya Defence Forces boss General Francis Ogolla has died in a helicopter crash in Rift Valley that happened this afternoon.

Reports indicate the aircraft was carrying 9 people and five confirmed dead by the time of press.

President William Ruto promoted Lieutenant General Francis Ogolla to the rank of General and appointed him the new Chief of Defence Forces (CDF).

Gen. Ogolla took over as CDF from Gen. Robert Kibochi whose term ended.

Gen. Ogolla joined the military in 1984.

Residents of Turkana Central Sub-County were on Wednesday afternoon treated to a rare treat of dramatic events only witnessed in movies or heard in whispers. Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) officers stormed Lodwar Police Station to rescue four colleagues who were arrested for disarming a police officer at a roadblock near Turkana University College.

Earlier in the day, the four army men were travelling in a water bowser while headed to Moi Gardens to fetch water when they had a confrontation with a police officer after he delayed their trip.

A security official privy to the incident alleged that the police officer was ordered to go on his knees but refused. He was then disarmed by one of the KDF officers who also shot several times in the air before proceeding with their journey. The police officer was told to collect the firearm at Loturerei camp in Kanam Kemer Ward where the army men are based.

However, news of the incident prompted other police officers to rush to Moi Gardens where they also fired shots that caused tension in Lodwar town, before arresting the four KDF men.

“Upon arrival, three KDF officers were seated in a shade and the driver was inside the water bowser. When they were ordered to surrender, the driver cocked his AK47 assault rifle…This prompted officers to shoot in the air and the driver surrendered by alighting from the said water bowser…he left his rifle inside,” a police report indicated.

The situation would later escalate after more than ten armed KDF officers stormed Lodwar Police Station in a dramatic move aimed at releasing of the four. The station borders the Lodwar Law Courts, Turkana County Assembly and County Commissioner’s office, thus attracting attention from members of the public.

Turkana Central Sub-County Police Commander Samwel Boit, who later arrived at the police station with other officials of the Sub-County Security Committee, engaged with KDF bosses over the matter.

The four KDF officers, who had refused to provide their identities and were booked as unknown, were still detained at the police cells when journalists visited the station. They will reportedly be charged with robbery with violence.

KDF has established a base at Kanam Kemer Ward on the outskirts of Lodwar town after the Turkana County Government and Ministry of Defence inked a deal allocating land for military use in different parts of Turkana back in April 2021.

The Turkana community consented to allocation of 2,000 hectares of land in Kanamkemer, being 1,000 hectares each in Kaputir, Kapedo/Napeitom, Lapur, Kibish, Lokichoggio, Nanam and Letea Wards.

KDF was also assured of access to 50,000 hectares for military training whenever the need arises.

The Nigerian anti-corruption commission declared last Sunday that it had retrieved $28.8 million from Minister of Poverty Alleviation and Humanitarian Affairs Betta Edu, who has been suspended and is now under investigation for fraudulent activities.

“Investigations into the alleged fraud involving [officials of the Humanitarian Ministry] have yielded the recovery of N32.7 billion [about $28.7 million] and $445,000 so far,” Dele Oyewale, the spokesperson for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) said.