Major George Magondu: Family Mourns 29-Year-Old Pilot Of Ill-Fated Military Helicopter
The pilot of the military helicopter that crashed with Chief of Defence Forces General Francis Ogolla and nine other officers also perished in the unfortunate accident.
Major George Benson Magondu, aged 29, tragically lost his life when the helicopter he was piloting crashed in Chesegon, on the border between Elgeyo Marakwet and West Pokot, on April 18, 2024.
Magondu, a skilled pilot who had ascended to the rank of major due to his expertise, was assigned the responsibility of flying Chief of Defence Forces General Francis Ogolla as well as other high-ranking government officials.
The tragic destiny of the young major was determined by the unfortunate events of the day when the military helicopter Bell UH-1H Huey II, which he was piloting, crashed.
His family was unexpectedly informed about the accident that happened in the Sindar area of Elgeyo Marakwet County by his wife, who serves as a military captain.
“We could not understand how…I told her we should wait and call their office. She tried to call the communication center but she was told the plane had crashed in Baringo. We were told he had a deep cut and was airlifted to hospital but he didn’t make it,” Mary Wambui, Magondu’s mother says.
Major Magondu, known as a selfless person and a family pillar, was a husband, father of three, son, and friend to many.
“The gap is there because George was a family man at 29, he acted like a father of 40 years. He loved the family the kids the wife. He could sacrifice all his time and money,” says his mother.
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“Watoto wanauliza mama yao tunataka daddy. Mtoto wangu akiskia hivyo anatokwa na machozi hata hajui aseme nini,” adds his mother-in-law Maureen Akinyi.
The late Major Magondu’s family remembers him as a forward-thinking young man. He is recognized for his time as a student at Moi Forces Academy, where he completed both primary and secondary school.
His journey in the military started when he applied to train as a cadet.
“He did the training for three years which included military studies through KU and he passed well from there they graduated at Lanet and after graduating he was posted to Nanyuki airbase,” his mother narrates.
Magondu, who passed away, advanced in his career to the rank of major, but he continued to have lofty aspirations.
Wambui adds: “He has risen from that rank after training he came up to the captain and now at the age of 29 he is a major. He used to say he would become the head of the armed forces.”
He will be laid to rest in Karimeno, Laikipia County.
Major George Magondu: Family Mourns 29-Year-Old Pilot Of Ill-Fated Military Helicopter