Kenya lost its Defense Chief, General Francis Omondi Ogolla, along with nine other senior military officials, in a devastating military helicopter crash on Thursday, announced President William Ruto.
The crash occurred in the remote region of Elgeyo Marakwet, approximately 400 kilometers northwest of Nairobi.
“Today at 2:20 pm, our nation suffered a tragic air accident… I am deeply saddened to announce the passing of General Francis Omondi Ogolla,” President Ruto told a press briefing, confirming the loss of one of the country’s top military leaders and “nine other gallant military personnel.”
Fortunately, two individuals survived the tragic incident.
The Kenya Air Force has already deployed an air investigation team to the crash site, which took place shortly after takeoff from Chesegon, where General Ogolla and his entourage were visiting a local school.
“A distinguished four-star general has fallen in the course of duty and in the service of the country,” Ruto said, mourning the loss of “one of her most valiant generals, gallant officers, servicemen, and women.”
President Ruto declared three days of national mourning starting Friday, during which flags will be flown at half-mast.
He shared that General Ogolla was on a mission as part of Operation Maliza Uhalifu (Operation End Crime in Swahili) to address insecurity in the North Rift area, plagued by armed banditry and cattle rustling.
“The helicopter burst into flames after crashing and it had more than 10 senior commanders on board including General Ogolla,” a police officer had informed AFP earlier, indicating the high-profile nature of the mission.
General Ogolla, appointed Chief of the Defence Forces by President Ruto in April last year, had a distinguished career as a trained fighter pilot since joining the Kenya Defence Forces in April 1984.
He rose through the ranks to command the Kenyan Air Force in 2018, holding the position for three years before his tragic death.
