KDF Chopper Crash: Imam Guides How Property Of Dead Brigadier Swale Said Should Be Shared

• Brigadier Swale Said and other military officers perished in a tragic helicopter crash in Elgeyo Marakwet county on Thursday, April 18
• An imam who presided over his burial noted that if one does not write a will, the property he left behind will be shared according to the Islamic law of succession and inheritance
• The cleric clarified that the money contributed by well-wishers after the death of Swale would not be inherited

TUKO.co.ke journalist Japhet Ruto brings over eight years of experience in financial, business, and technology reporting, offering deep insights into Kenyan and global economic trends.

Brigadier Swale Said was one of the casualties of the tragic chopper crash that claimed the lives of Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Francis Ogolla and eight other military officers.

The deadly crash occurred in Kaben, Elgeyo Marakwet county, on Thursday, April 18, aboard a Bell Huey II helicopter acquired from the United States of America.

Swale was buried on Friday, April 19, at Utange Grounds in Kilifi county.

In Kenya, a brigadier's monthly salary is between KSh 130,735 and KSh 150,000. The position is below the colonel and above the lieutenant colonel.

How will Said Swale's wealth be shared?

An imam who presided over his burial noted that if one does not write a will, the property he left behind will be shared according to Islamic law of succession and inheritance.

"There are different types of wealth; assets include land, houses or businesses like a hotel. The second one, which can be transferred, includes things like furniture or clothes. The third is debt, and if it's unpaid, then it will be accumulated and included as assets. The fourth type of wealth is cash and minerals plus insurance too which is regarded as an asset," he explained.

The imam said that the money contributed by well-wishers after the death of Swale would not be inherited.

Distribution of wealth according to Islamic law

Islamic law states that after burial fees, debts (including court costs), and bequests (if any) to non-heirs have been paid, the deceased individual's inheritance is distributed.

The Islamic law of succession and inheritance governs the distribution of any remaining assets among the heirs.

In case of a Muslim's death, like the case of Swale, their fortune will be distributed to their heirs in the following manner:

• Father: He is entitled to one-sixth of the estate if other children and grandchildren are still alive.
• Mother: If her children or grandchildren still survive, she is entitled to one-sixth of the estate.
• Sons: They will split the remainder of the estate equally. A part is given to each son according to the total number of daughters and sons.
• Daughters: They distribute the remaining estate equally amongst themselves.

If the father dies away before getting his share, his entitlement remains in effect, and his share will be included in the distribution of his net estate.

What was Francis Ogolla's will?

General Francis Ogolla will be laid to rest at his native home in Siaya on Sunday, April 21, according to his family.

His family shared that the burial rites would be per his will, in which he stipulated that he be buried within 72 hours after his demise.

President William Ruto proclaimed that the nation would observe three days of mourning commencing on Friday, April 19, in honour of the deceased CDF.

During the national mourning, the Kenyan, KDF, and Eastern African Community (EAC) flags will be hoisted at half-mast in the country and at the Kenyan missions abroad.

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