In October each year, the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) gather to commemorate and honour the services, commitment, bravery and sacrifices of Kenya’s military soldiers.

One of the most notable names remembered on the day is Major Jonathan Kingu Otongo who served in the Kenya Airforce wing. He was a decorated pilot whose greatest milestone was his contribution to Kenya’s fight against terrorism.

Major Otongo was a skilled fighter jet pilot who had worked several missions for the country in neutralizing terrorist threats especially those coming from Somalia.

He was actively involved in Kenya’s counter-terrorism operations against militia group Al-Shabaab.

In December 2014, Major Otongo established his legacy in Kenya’s history during his involvement in an airstrike operation. He took part in a daring mission that saw the elimination of 89 foreign nationals strongly linked to the Al-Shabaab’s operations.

However, during the mission, Major Otongo’s fighter jet, a Northrop F-5 Tiger II bomber suffered serious technical issues. In a move exemplifying his tactical brilliance and bravery, he decided to execute a second airstrike on his target, Araara located in Lower Juba, Somalia.

Shortly after, Major Otongo’s aircraft crashed due to avionics and engine failure. It is widely believed in KDF that he was ejected from the falling jet before crashing.

Search and rescue missions mobilized by all branches of the military to recover one of their own proved futile and efforts to establish his whereabouts since 2014 have never been successful. His aircraft was discovered without the pilot’s seat.

The Al-Shabaab military group have claimed that they buried Major Otongo, claims that have always been strongly refuted by KDF. The accident was a profound loss of one of Kenya’s finest airmen.

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In 2015, former President Uhuru Kenyatta awarded Major Jonathan Kingu Otongo the Distinguished Conduct Medal, a reminder of the selflessness and love that the KDF hold for the country.

Following Major Otongo’s crash, the KDF established the Rapid Deployment Unit in Laikipia Airbase to assist in rescuing stranded fighter jet pilots who crash during missions.

“To be part of the KDF is a privilege. We are entrusted with protecting not only our nation but also the lives of others…We are part of a global effort to restore peace, bring hope to the innocent, and protect the vulnerable. Our service reflects our commitment not only to Kenya but to the international community,” read the Chief of Defence Forces’ message during KDF Day.