Memories Shared: KDF Team’s Last Moments at Cheptulel Boys High Before Tragic Chopper Crash
Around 1 pm on Thursday, three helicopters swiftly touched down one after the other at Cheptulel Boys Secondary School in West Pokot County.
Numerous individuals disembarked from the helicopters and were greeted by Jeremiah Tumoh, the Deputy County Commissioner of Pokot Central, along with Naftali Korir, the Assistant County Commissioner of Chesegon, alongside local chiefs and administrators.
“The KDF team came straight to the tent we were in. Among them was the Chief of Defence Forces, Francis Ogolla, who told the residents that all schools affected by insecurity in the area would be rehabilitated by the KDF,” says Tito Lopuriang, a resident of Cheptulel who attended the meeting.
Local witnesses reported that the KDF officers remained at the school for approximately one hour.
“They entered one classroom and inspected it,” said Mr Lopuriang.
He reports that a Buffalo helicopter departed around 3 pm, and shortly thereafter, nearby residents observed smoke following the helicopter’s crash near the school in the Marakwet region of the Sindar area, approximately two kilometers from Chesegon.
“KDF officers on the ground used a drone to determine what had happened at the scene,” he says.
Mr Lopuriang said the security team initially thought bandits had brought down the helicopter.
Mr. Lopuriang disclosed that KDF personnel established a perimeter around the area and restricted access, preventing anyone from getting close.
He mentioned that the wounded individuals received medical care at Kaben Health before being transported by air to a location that wasn’t disclosed.
Last to land
Musa Kariwoi, another resident present at the gathering, mentioned that the helicopter transporting General Ogola arrived last at the school.
“At the meeting, the area chief welcomed the headmaster, the sub-county education director, the ACC, the DCC, and then the KDF officers took over. After the speeches, they went back to the classroom to start the renovation. He took the trowel and tried to build,” he said.
He says CDF Ogola said the renovation would start immediately.
Officials from the local government administration who attended the KDF team visit at Cheptulel Boys Secondary School comprised Mr. Naftali Korir, the assistant County Commissioner of Chesegon division, Mr. Jeremiah Tumoh, the Deputy County Commissioner of Pokot Central sub-county, Chief James Kapeyon from Chesegon Location, and Mr. James Koitilo, the Principal of Cheptulel Boys.
Chesegon Location Chief James Kapeyon stated that KDF personnel were present in the region to evaluate schools impacted by banditry. This follows President William Ruto’s recent directive for the military to promptly restore schools affected by banditry in the Chesegon area, enabling the resumption of learning next term.
Last Monday, the national leader addressed attendees during the inauguration of the Cemtech clinker plant in the Sebit region of West Pokot County.
West Pokot County Commissioner Khalif Abdullahi verified that the helicopter went down along the border between West Pokot and Elgeyo Marakwet counties.
He said President William Ruto would release the names of those on board.
The Head of State was by Thursday night holding a national security council meeting at the State House, Nairobi.
Memories Shared: KDF Team’s Last Moments at Cheptulel Boys High Before Tragic Chopper Crash