As Kenya marks one year since the tragic death of CDF Ogolla and other officials in a helicopter crash, disturbing revelations have emerged about the state of aircrafts being used by the Kenyan Defence Forces (KDF).
A top military official, speaking anonymously to the media, has exposed the concerning practice of dumping aircrafts that have served in conflict zones such as Iraq, Afghanistan, and even Vietnam.
According to the official, these aircrafts, which have endured harsh conditions in some of the world’s most dangerous regions, are being remanufactured and brought into Kenya to serve the country’s military.
The official further revealed that after being used in active warzones, these planes are refurbished and shipped to Kenya for continued service in the KDF.
The official’s statement sheds light on a worrying trend that could put the lives of Kenyan soldiers at risk. The aircrafts, which have seen extensive use in conflict zones, are far from new. Their service in countries like Iraq and Afghanistan means they have undergone heavy wear and tear in some of the harshest environments.
Some of the aircrafts are even said to have served during the Vietnam War, making them decades old. This practice raises serious questions about the safety and reliability of military equipment being used in Kenya.
While it is standard for military equipment to be refurbished and reused, the fact that these particular aircrafts have been exposed to the extreme conditions of war zones for extended periods could compromise their integrity.
With the Kenyan military already facing challenges in terms of equipment and resources, the introduction of such aging aircrafts into the country’s arsenal might not be the best approach.
The military official who spoke on the condition of anonymity emphasized that this situation is not just a problem of outdated equipment, but a matter of national security.
The fact that these aircrafts, after serving in such high-stress environments, are being sent to Kenya without adequate scrutiny or clear plans for their long-term use is a cause for concern.
As Kenya continues to deal with the aftermath of the tragic chopper crash that took the lives of CDF Ogolla and other top military officials, this new revelation raises even more doubts about the management and maintenance of the country’s military resources.
While the government may be making efforts to equip the KDF with the necessary tools, this questionable practice of acquiring old and used military aircraft could have serious consequences for the country’s defense capabilities.
The Kenyan public and military personnel alike are left questioning the true state of the nation’s military readiness.
It is clear that more scrutiny is needed in the procurement and maintenance of defense equipment to ensure that the safety of soldiers and the security of the country are not compromised.
The lives of those who serve in the KDF must not be placed at risk due to the use of faulty or outdated machinery.
