Colonel Kasaine Ole Kuruta, one of the two survivors of the chopper crash that claimed the life of former Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Francis Ogolla, has recounted his healing journey since the tragedy occurred.
Kuruta, who spoke during the memorial service in honour of Ogolla and nine other military officers who died in a helicopter crash on April 18, 2024, reflected on the lessons he learnt following the incident.
Addressing his fellow military officers at Moi Air Base in Nairobi, Kasaine revealed that the memories of the crash presented a life-changing moment and that, since then, he had learnt to treasure time with loved ones.
He further reflected on healing both physically and emotionally, adding that surviving the chopper crash had granted him and his fellow survivor a fresh opportunity to live.
"Brother Karanja and I carry scars, visible and invisible, but we carry more than just scars, we carry something deeper, a responsibility to live, truly live and live well," Kuruta stated.
According to the Colonel, Ogolla and the nine deceased officers would be remembered not for how they died, but for how they lived and the impact they had on others.
The Colonel went on to commend his wife, who, according to him, played an immense role in his healing process at the Defence Memorial Hospital.
"I say thank you, and more so to my beloved wife, who, during the entire time that I was receiving treatment at the Defence Memorial Hospital, stood by my bedside just to have an eye on me and give me the moral support," the Colonel narrated.
He added, "To the families here today, thank you so much for making us carry the memories of your loved one, we remember them not for how they died but for how they lived, they smiled and mattered."
Kasaine's speech comes a day after another survivor of the chopper crash that killed the former military chief surfaced for the first time since the incident occurred.
Frankford Karanja Mogire, a Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) photographer and survivor of the deadly chopper, sparked online talks after he was spotted alongside President William Ruto during the unveiling of a plaque at the Lanet Regional Hospital within the Kenya Military Academy in Nakuru County.
General Ogolla and the nine other military officers died on April 18, last year, following a military chopper crash at the Sindar Area of the Elgeyo Marakwet County.
The demise of the officers was announced by President Ruto during a presser at State House in Nairobi. While announcing Ogolla's death, the Head of State mourned the deceased and termed him a distinguished four-star general who was committed to his work.
