Kenya’s military chief, General Francis Omondi Ogolla, tragically passed away in a helicopter crash in the western part of the country on Thursday, April 18, 2024.
Advertisement
President William Ruto made the announcement in a televised address.
The helicopter crashed shortly after take-off on Thursday afternoon local time, claiming the lives of General Ogolla and nine other members of the military. Two individuals survived the crash, as confirmed by President Ruto.
“I am deeply saddened to announce the passing of General Francis Omondi Ogolla, the Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces,” President Ruto expressed.
A team of investigators has been dispatched to the crash site in Elgeyo Marakwet County to determine the cause of the accident, Ruto stated.
General Ogolla had departed from Nairobi on Thursday to visit troops in the North Rift region of the country and to inspect ongoing school renovations, according to the president.
Advertisement
In response to the tragedy, Ruto convened an urgent meeting of the country’s National Security Council in Nairobi, as reported by presidential spokesperson Hussein Mohamed.
“As the Commander in Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces, it is a tragic moment for the Kenya Defence Forces fraternity and a most unfortunate day for the nation at large,” President Ruto expressed.
“Our motherland has lost one of her most valiant generals. We have also lost gallant officers, servicemen, and women.”
Kenya will observe three days of mourning beginning on Friday, April 19, 2024, as announced by President Ruto.
General Ogolla, according to state broadcaster Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC), is the first Kenyan military chief to die in active service.
He joined the Kenya Defence Forces in 1984, rising to the rank of 2nd Lieutenant in 1985 before being posted to the Kenya Air Force, as per the Ministry of Defence website.
He is survived by his wife Aileen, and is mourned by his two children and grandchild.
Leave a Reply