Among the many events of 2024, the loss of senior government officials while in office under various circumstances made headlines.
Nairobileo.co.ke takes a closer look at these incidents that caught Kenyans by surprise due to the nature of the deaths, as detailed below:
Francis Ogolla
In a tragic announcement by President William Ruto, the former Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) lost his life on April 18, 2024, while on official duty in Elgeyo Marakwet County.
Ogolla, along with nine other senior military officers, perished after a Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) helicopter they were aboard crashed.
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"Today at 2:20 pm, our nation suffered a tragic air accident in Elgeyo Marakwet. I am deeply saddened to announce the passing on of General Francis Omondi Ogolla, the Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces. Together with him in the crash were 11 other gallant military personnel, 9 who also passed on with him and 2 survivors," Ruto announced on Thursday, April 18.
Ogolla was later buried in Alego Usonga, Siaya County, on Sunday, April 21, 2024.
According to his family, the late general had indicated in his will that he be laid to rest within 72 hours of his death.
Meanwhile, President Ruto affirmed that a report of the investigations into the chopper crash would be made public.
Justice David Majanja
On Wednesday evening, July 10, 2024, the High Court judge passed at a Nairobi hospital.
Justice Majanja, who was also a member of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), died after undergoing surgery.
The surgery is said to have been successful but things turned worse later, resulting in his death.
Justice Majanja was cremated on July 17, 2024, in a private interment ceremony held by his family at Kariokor in Nairobi.
He was appointed High Court judge in 2011.
Lamu Deputy Governor Raphael Munyua
The Lamu County deputy governor died on September 6, 2024, while undergoing treatment at Nairobi Hospital.
However, his family did not disclose the illness that led to his demise.
President William Ruto mourned Munyua as a progressive leader who worked tirelessly for the people of Lamu County.
Munyua ascended to the Lamu deputy governor role after successfully running on a joint ticket with Governor Issa Timamy during the 2022 general elections.
