Karanja Mogire's Close Friend Recalls Calling Photographer After Helicopter Crash: "Saddest Day"

• Photographer Frankford Karanja Mogire, who two was identified as one of the survivors of the fatal crash, is receiving treatment
• Mogire's friend shared his brief life journey, reminiscing the ar they had come, moving Kenyans to tears
• He revealed he was not okay after receiving the news about the crash, claiming he prayed hard for Mogire's safety

The entire nation is still in shock following the death of Chief of Defence Forces Francis Ogolla and eight others.

How did Francis Ogolla die?

General Ogolla was travelling with 10 other people in a military chopper when it crashed in Kaben, the border of Elgeyo Marakwet and West Pokot counties, killing nine people with two surviving.

President Ruto, during a televised address to the state on the evening of Thursday, April 18, revealed the names of the nine victims.

The officials who died alongside Ogolla are Brigadier Swale Saidi, Colonel Duncan Keittany, Lieutenant Colonel David Sawe, Major George Benson Magondu, Captain Sora Mohamed, Captain Hillary Litali, Senior Sergeant John Kinyua Mureithi, Sergeant Cliphonce Omondi, and Sergeant Rose Nyawira.

The ill-fated Kenya Air Force Huey Helicopter was ferrying its occupants to the bandit-stricken north rift region on a working visit. They were visiting troops deployed in the region under Operation Maliza Uhalifu, besides their inspection of the renovation works in a host of schools there.

During the address, Ruto declared three days of national mourning.

Who were the survivors of the chopper crash?

Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) photographer Frankford Karanja Mogire, was identified as one of the survivors of the fatal crash.

Reports indicated that Mogire was in the hospital receiving treatment after the crash. Isaac Ameex, who referred to Mogire as a friend, revealed he was shocked by the chopper crash news, leaving him devastated.

Isaac narrated how he and Mogire had come from far, thanking God for giving him another chance, revealing he prayed for his safety after receiving the news.

He narrated how he kept calling Mogire, hoping he would pick up, but his phone was off. Isaac revealed Mogire was active on WhatsApp a few minutes before the chopper crash accident was reported.

"God I truly thank you for this..I didn't know you were among the victims but i thank god you came out safe Tumetoka mbali sana Frankford Karanja tumefunzana mengi na Tumeongea mengi Get well soon bro.. This has been the saddest day ever on earth. . I called you first before calling Vanille Meï whose number was unfortunately busy. I kept calling you, but you were off. Again, I missed Vanille's calls...She called me twice and told me she was safe at home. For you, bro Frank, I've been trying to reach you via phone since 15:00 hrs but uko off bro your WhatsApp last seen was 14:07hrs. Get well soon bro . I truly pray for you," he wrote.

In another post, he shared a photo of Mogire on a hospital bed holding crutches, praying for him to get well.

"I thank God because He's so faithful. Get well soon, my closest friend Frankford Karanja. I don't wish to post you in such a condition. I thank God you're safe. Get well soon. I pray that you get well," he said.

Details about chopper crash that killed nine people

• The bodies of nine deceased people, including Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Francis Ogolla, were airlifted to Nairobi.
• Francis Ogolla's daughter, Lorna Omondi Ogolla, was as broken as many Kenyans as she took to social media to mourn the loss of her father.
• Members of the National Assembly briefly paused the day's proceedings to find out about Kenya Defence Forces helicopter crash.
• A video of President William Ruto claiming the KDF boss tried to overturn his victory after the August 2022 election has re-emerged.