KDF Soldier Killed In Helicopter Crash Was Paying Fees For 4 Needy Students, Family Says

• The death of Sergeant Cliphonce Omondi may have robbed his family of kin, but it also left four children in limbo
• According to Omondi's family, the departed soldier used part of his salary to educate the needy students from his village
• The sergeant was among the military officers who died when their helicopter tumbled out of the skies and burst into flames

The family of Sergeant Cliphonce Omondi, the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) soldier who tragically lost his life in a recent helicopter crash, has shared the depth of his generosity.

Omondi was part of a group on a state mission to assess school renovations in Elgeyo Marakwet before the reopening on April 29.

He was praised as a hardworking officer with a bright future and dedication to his duties.

The soldier's family disclosed that they plan to bury him on May 3, but they expressed concern that they are struggling to get the resources.

Sergeant Omondi was a philanthropist

In an interview with Nation, the grieving family praised the fallen hero for going beyond serving his country by supporting the needy.

"He was a young man but very bright for his age. He was even paying fees for four underprivileged students in this area," family spokesperson Dominic Ogolla said.

He added that his untimely death has left a void not only in the hearts of his loved ones but also in the lives of the children he supported.

As things stand, the needy students now find themselves without their benefactor.

Family appeals for help

As the family prepares to lay him to rest, they await instructions from the KDF on the military honours that will accompany the burial.

“The ceremonial gunfire and the donning of his military uniform are beyond our purview, for he belongs to the ranks of the nation’s defenders,” a family spokesperson expressed.

They appealed for assistance with essentials such as food, chairs, tents, and water for the funeral service.

Omondi's ceremony will be held at Ndiwo Primary School before he is taken to his ancestral home for his final resting place.

What you need to know about KDF chopper crash

• The ill-fated helicopter, carrying military officers, crashed shortly after takeoff and erupted into flames, killing nine and leaving two in critical condition.
• Captain Sora Mohamed, Brig Swale Saidi, Col Duncan Keittany, Lt Col David Sawe, Maj George and Benson Magondu, Capt Hillary Litali, Snr Sgt John Kinyua Mureithi, and Sgt Nyawira were among others who died.
• Former Chief of Defence Forces Francis Ogolla, who was among the casualties, was buried in Siaya County over the weekend.

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

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Left: Sergeant Cliphonce Omondi in a past photo. Right: Omondi's family addresses the media regarding burial plans.

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