National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wa is urging the government to prioritize the modernization of military equipment to ensure the safety of officers. He also emphasized the need for acquiring a new presidential jet to replace the current one, which has been in service since the late 1980s.
Speaking in the House, Ichung’wa highlighted the importance of informed decision-making regarding military resources.
“At times the military comes before the House looking for resources to modernize equipment. I have heard many members during the budget-making process criticize without military knowledge,” he stated.
He further emphasized the urgency of reevaluating the budget to facilitate the modernization of all military equipment.
“The helicopter crash probably allows us, as we consider the next few years’ budgets this coming financial year and the next years, to seriously consider the modernization of all our military equipment,” Ichung’wa added.
Ichung’wa extended condolences to the family of Chief of Defence Forces General Francis Ogolla, who tragically lost his life in a helicopter crash along with nine other military officials on April 18.
The lawmaker stressed that modernizing military equipment is crucial to averting such accidents in the future.
“Including the aircraft that we use not just in the military but also in the police and including the Presidential Jet which was purchased in the late 1980s by the former President Daniel Moi, this offers that opportunity to reconsider all this equipment,” he said.
Ichung’wa also recognized the sacrifices made by military officials in safeguarding the nation’s peace and security.
The helicopter crash occurred at Sindar area, Tot division, on the border between Elgeyo Marakwet and Uasin Gichu counties.
The tragedy also claimed the lives of Captain Hillary Litali, Captain Sora Mohamed, Colonel Duncan Keitany, Senior Sergeant John Kinyua Mureithi, Sergeant Cliphonce Omondi, Major George Benson Magondu, Brigadier Swale Saidi, and Sergeant Rose Nyawira.
By Vivian K.