Frankford Mogire Karanja is one of two survivors of the Thursday afternoon helicopter crash that claimed the life of Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) boss Francis Ogolla alongside nine other KDF soldiers.

According to President Willim Ruto, the chopper was headed for the North Rift region part of the currently before it crashed and bursting into flames. The late Genaral and his team were visiting certain troops in the afore-mentioned region who were part of the Operation Maliza Uhalifu.

The operation is a collaboration between National Police Service and KDF soldiers and to eliminate banditry in the region.

The head of state confirmed that 10 KDF officers lost their lives in the crash, leaving only two soldiers, including Mogire, as survivors.

Among the deceased were Brigadier Swale Saidi, Colonel Duncan Keittany, Lieutenant Colonel David Sawe, Major George Benson Magondu, Captain Sora Mohamed, Captain Hillary Litali, Senior Sergeant John Kinyua Mureithi, Sergeant Cliphonce Omondi, and Sergeant Rose Nyawira.

Mogire who was working as a photographer for the KDF, jumped out of the aircraft mid-air and miraculously survived the crash according to reports. He was rescued shortly after the 2:20 pm crash and is currently receiving treatment at the Eldoret Regional Hospital.

Mogire graduated from Mount Kenya University in 2016 after studying journalism from the facility. He later joined NTV as a copy editor in 2018 before joining KDF.

Mogire is described by his friends as a lover of travelling, hiking, culture and photography. He also according to his friends likes vlogging and has a YouTube channel, titled Uncharted Destinations.

Following the crash, Karanja’s best friend, Dominic Mwangi, posted a heartfelt message wishing him a quick recovery.

“I thank God for you bro. Quick and speedy recovery bro. #darkevening,” Mwangi wrote.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation as authorities work to determine the circumstances that led to the tragic incident.