By Peter Orengo

Hundreds of well wishers, top government officials, members of the public and police officers joined families of the four officers who perished in the Ngong helicopter crash for a requiem mass at Holy Family Basilica.

The interdenominational mass was conducted by Right Reverend Bishop Philip Anyolo of the disciplined forces, while hymns were led by the General Service Unit (GSU) training school choir.

The bodies of the late Capt Nancy Gituanja, Capt Luke Oyugi, Inspector Joshua Tonkei and Sergeant Thomas Murimi were escorted by pall bearers in ceremonial police uniforms from the Kenya Police and General Service.

During eulogies, the congregation was told of how in a gesture of primonition, Inspector Tonkei a week before his death gathered his close family members together and told them that he had survived two plane misharps and was sure he would not survive a third one.

“He told them how he had served the country with humility and even survived two plane crashes. The family were taken by surprise since they could not comprehend the meaning of that speech.  A week later he was dead in a helicopter crash,” said Martin ole Kamuaru, who delivered Tonkei’s eulogy.

Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka who led the government delegation at the funeral mass delivered President Mwai Kibaki’s speech. The President was due to travel to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil to attend the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio +20).

Every speaker had kind words for the four officers who perished in line of duty with Internal Security minister Prof George Saitoti and Joshua Orwa Ojodeh who were buried at the weekend.

“These officers had a good heart. That is why they had to die the way they did in the line of duty. They are not the only ones because others are stationed across our borders to make sure we are safe back at home,” said trhe President.

The President promised that the government will set up a special fund to take care of eduactional needs of the children of officers who die in the line of duty.

Prime Minister Raila Odinga who appeared shortly and delivered a 10 minute speech before leaving to attend other official duties assured that investigation into the crash will be done to unravel the mystery behind the crash.

“We have decided to hold a public investigation because we feel as the government that every individual’s life is important. We dont want to see this happening again. For the family i want to say that life must go on,” said the Prime Minister.

Vice President Kalonzo while echoing the Prime Minister’s promise to unravel the truth about what happened, warned members of the public not to speculate but leave everything to the country’s security organ to carry out investigation.

“We will go an extra mile to actualy know what happened. Right now we must stand in solidarity as a country with the families of the departed,” said the Vice President.

Kalonzo who led a government committee that organised the funerals of the six Kenyans announced that MPs and well-wishers had been able to raise over Sh15.1 million, to go towards educating the families of the police officers and the pilots.

Heritage minister William ole Ntimama who is also the MP for Narok, where inspector Tonkei heils expressed gratitude to the government for taking care of the funeral arrangements and the help to the widows.

“This is a good gesture that  I know is appreciated not just by the family but by all Kenyans,” he said.

Internal Security Assistant Minister Simon Lesirma who spoke on behalf of the ministry praised the two pilots and security officers saying they were well respected by their colleagues and friends.

“These were trusted officers who served thye ministry with dedication. They were also known and trusted within the VIP circles. That is why they had to die with their bosses,” said Lesirma.

Naomi Shaban who spoke on behalf of MPs asked the government to make sure tastrophess with the aviatuiopn industry, roads and building sector is reduced.

Burial

Sergeant Murimi who was Saitoti’s bodyguard will be buried today (Monday) in Nyankore village, Kuria. He leaves behind widow Leah Nchawa and two sons Nicholas and Maurice.

On Tuesday, Capt Nancy will be laid to rest in Kiiri Village in Kandara, Murang’a. She leaves behind widower Peter Gitau, tow daughters Sharon, Diana and son Wesley.

Tonkei who was Saitoti’s bodyguard will be laid to rest on Wednesday in his Nkorokolani farm in Olukurto, Narok.

Tonkei is survived by widow Rebecca, three sons Robert, Kevin, derrick and daughter Cynthia.

Capt Oyugi will be laid to rest on Thursday in Banana Village, Siaya County. He is survived by widow Patricia, daughters Cynthia and Kimberly and two sons Fidel and Camel.