Lieutenant Colonel (Rtd) George Were, OGW, an outstanding pilot and decorated retired military officer, has passed on. He was 65. His departure marks the end of a remarkable journey defined by courage in the skies, steadfast leadership on the ground, and unwavering devotion to family, country, and peace.
Kenya’s military aviation wing has long served as the premier training ground for the nation’s finest rotary-wing pilots.
Over the decades, it has functioned as a reservoir of discipline, skill, and technical excellence, producing aviators who later transition into critical civilian roles.
Many of the helicopter pilots serving institutions such as Kenya Power, the Kenya Pipeline Company, and the Kenya Forest Service are former military aviators. These professionals are largely drawn from two principal formations: the Army’s Air Cavalry Battalion and the Air Force Helicopter Squadron. Within this rigorous and demanding system, where precision, courage, and leadership are forged through both training and operational deployment, emerged Lieutenant Colonel George Were, a pilot whose excellence reflected the very best of Kenya’s military aviation tradition.
A remarkable son, brother, leader, and friend, the late Lt. Col (Rtd) George Were, OGW lived a life of honor and quiet strength.
He was commissioned as an officer of the the Kenya Armed forces on 14 August 1981 as part of Intake 14. Upon completion of Cadet Training, he was posted to the 50 Air Cavalry Battalion in Embakasi as a Direct Entry Helicopter Pilot, beginning a career that would leave a lasting imprint on both military and civilian aviation in Kenya.
George distinguished himself early, qualifying as a helicopter pilot with exemplary performance. His outstanding skill in both combat and utility flying earned him steady advancement through the ranks. In time, he rose to the position of Squadron Commander, entrusted with the leadership of a fleet of twelve assault helicopters and a team of twenty-four pilots.
He served in missions across the world under the United Nations Peacekeeping Force, representing Kenya with honor and professionalism. In recognition of his outstanding service and leadership, he was elevated to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and posted to Headquarters Kenya Army as a Staff Officer I. For his exemplary service, he was awarded the Order of the Grand Warrior (OGW) by the late President Daniel arap Moi.
fter years of dedicated military service, Lt. Col (Rtd) George Were voluntarily retired to pursue a career in civilian commercial helicopter aviation. In this new chapter, he continued to serve with the same professionalism and discipline that had defined his military life. He transported numerous accomplished dignitaries and national leaders, flying who is who in Kenya’s public life, including Raila Odinga, Martha Karua, Kipchumba Murkomen, and many other distinguished VIPs.
