Captain Hillary Litali's Mum Recalls Finding Out Son's Death While In Church: "Alikuwa Nyota"

• Captain Hillary Litali was among the 10 people who died in the helicopter crash that also claimed the life of Chief of Defence Forces Francis Ogolla
• His mother narrated that she was in church when she found out about the news and later heard the president read out his name
• Litali's father also recalled the last conversation they had a day before he set off for Elgeyo Marakwet, where he died

The late Captain Hillary Litali's parents have spoken for the first time since the death of their son, who also died alongside Chief of Defence Forces General Francis Ogolla.

Dickson and Evelyne Litali narrated how they each received the news and their last conversation with their son.

How Captain Litali's mum received son's death news

The captain's mum, Evelyne, said she was in church when she overheard people talk about a plane crash and inquired more.

"Hillary was the breadwinner of this family. I was in church, and I found two people discussing, and when I asked, they asked if I had not seen the plane accident. They told me the KDF head was dead. I then remembered my son had told me he was brought to that office a month ago," she said.

Litali's mum then took her phone to call her son but he was off, her efforts to reach her other son were also futile as his phone was also switched off.

Then, her husband called and told her that the preacher was waiting for her at the gate, so she should rush home.

They then switched on the TV and waited for more details because they could not reach their son.

"Indeed, God has taken away a child who was the shining star of this house. He was a child we raised with godly principles, who respected everyone, and who was hardworking. He had promised me that he would come in May so we could go and do roofing in our house and get me settled," she added.

Evelyne added that her son was poised for a promotion as he had just finished his studies in January and was told to wait patiently.

Captain Litali's dad recalls last moments with son

On the other hand, the late captain's dad recalled a friend sending him social media posts and asking him to check.

Still, he turned that down and waited for official communication from the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF).

"I started getting messages of his passing from 4 pm through social media. Someone sent me a list and asked me to check on YouTube and I told him I won't do it. It was until 7 in the evening when some officers came over and told us the news," he said.

Dickson also recalled the last time he saw his 29-year-old son when he travelled home for the Easter break.

He narrated that the late captain drove them to Kitale for the weekend, where they planted maize, and then drove them back and spent a night at their Nakuru home before leaving for Nairobi the next day.

However, on Monday this week, Captain Litali alerted his father via phone that he would be heading to Elgeyo Marakwet for work and talked to him a day before their take-off.

"Yesterday (Wednesday), he told me they had left for a work function, and we wished him all the best in his work, and that was the last time I talked to him as my son, him telling me he was going to Elgeyo Marakwet," he further said.

Watch the video below:

What you need to know about victims of helicopter crash

• Aside from General Ogolla and Litali, other people who also died included Brig Swale Saidi, Col Duncan Keittany, Lt Col David Sawe, Major George, Benson Magondu, Capt Sora Mohamed, Snr Sgt John Kinyua Mureithi, Sgt Cliphonce Omondi, and Sgt Rose Nyawira.
• Ogolla's family earlier announced that the CDF will be buried according to his wishes, which was within 72 hours.
• A video also emerged showing General Ogolla's last moments alongside other KDF Officers moments before his death emerged.

Proofreading by Asher Omondi, current affairs journalist and copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.

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