Elgeyo Marakwet Man Recalls Rushing At Crash Site After KDF Chopper Went Down: "We Saved 3"

• Eyewitness Bernard Kipkorir in Elgeyo Marakwet has recounted witnessing the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) chopper crash on April 18
• Kipkorir heard a loud bang around 2 p.m. and saw the military chopper descending near his location
• He was among the first responders to reach the crash site, and along with villagers, he rescued three individuals

A man in Elgeyo Marakwet has disclosed that he saw the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) chopper crash that occurred on the afternoon of Thursday, April 18.

Eyewitness account

Bernard Kipkorir, who spoke to NTV, revealed that he heard a loud bang at around 2 p.m. on Thursday and realised that a military chopper was going down just close to where he was.

According to the eyewitness, he was among the first people to arrive at the scene of the accident and with the help of other villagers, they were able to save three people.

"The KDF choppers were just going on with their normal activities, but around 2 pm, we just heard a loud bang. In the process, we saw a chopper landing all of a sudden.

"We were able to save three," he said.

Benard said they rushed the trio to the hospital for emergency treatment.

"They were later airlifted for further treatment. We have gallant soldiers who were on a mission to check the security issues here. As a resident of this place, it was great that the KDF came because of the banditry" he said.

Another local, David Kisang, said their hearts were jolly when the KDF officers visited their locality due to the insecurity issues plaguing the place. He said the crash was unprecedented, leaving the entire village in shock.

"We are really shocked by this incident. We join other Kenyans in mourning with the affected families," he said.

Francis Ogolla's death

As reported, General Francis Ogolla was one of the casualties in the Thursday afternoon chopper crash.

Heartwarming photos shared show his last moments alongside other senior KDF officers who also died in the accident. Only one person, a photographer, survived.

In the photo, Ogolla was seen confidently walking alongside other officers, oblivious to the terrible fate that lay before them.

KDF chopper crash: Latest developments that you should know

• Francis Ogolla's burial has been set for April 21. This is in line with his wishes to be buried within 72 hours of death
• Charles Kahariri has also replaced Francis Ogolla in an Acting capacity hours after the horrific crash
• Ogolla's daughter mourned him in a moving post, describing him as a pursuer of excellence and a gallant soldier

Proofreading by Asher Omondi, current affairs journalist and copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.