Nairobi, April 19 -- At just 29, Captain Hillary Shirekule Litali, who tragically died in Thursday's helicopter crash alongside Chief of Defence Forces, General Francis Ogolla, was on the cusp of a career his peers could only dream of.

News of the plane crash on the border of Elgeyo Marakwet and West Pokot counties plunged the Litali family into mourning.

Captain Litali's death shattered the dreams and aspirations of a family that had been steadily climbing the social ladder since he joined the military in 2013.

The eldest of two sons, Captain Litali had shown exceptional promise from an early age.

He rose quickly through the military ranks, serving as an aide to two CDFs, General Robert Kibochi and General Ogolla.

At the time of his...