Kampala, Uganda | NOW THEN DIGITAL — President William Ruto solemnly confirmed the tragic passing of Chief of Defence Forces, General Francis Ogolla, following a fatal military helicopter crash in Elgeyo Marakwet County.
During a State of the Nation address at State House in Nairobi, Ruto disclosed the grievous incident, revealing that the chopper, carrying 11 passengers, including CDF Ogolla, crashed, resulting in nine fatalities.
Expressing heartfelt condolences, Ruto eulogized Ogolla as a distinguished four-star general committed to his duties. The ill-fated Kenya Air Force Huey Helicopter had embarked from Nairobi on a mission to visit troops in the North Rift under Operation Maliza Uhalifu and inspect school renovations.
“Today at 2.20 pm our nation suffered a tragic air accident Sindar area, Keben location in Elgeyo Marakwet county. I am deeply saddened to announce the passing on of General Francis Omondi Ogolla,” President Ruto said.
After addressing troops at the Kainuk Forward Operating Base in Turkana County, Ogolla proceeded to inspect construction works at the Recruits Training School in Uasin Gishu County. Tragically, the aircraft crashed shortly after take-off from Chesegon.
Ruto, in his capacity as the Commander in Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces, mourned the loss, declaring a three-day mourning period, during which national flags, including the military ensign, would fly at half-mast.
A dedicated team was promptly assembled to investigate the root cause of the accident. Among those who perished alongside General Ogolla were military officials Brigadier Swale Saidi, Colonel Duncan Keittany, Lieutenant Colonel David Sawe, Major George Benson Magondu, Captain Sora Mohamed, Captain Hillary Litali, Senior Sergeant John Kinyua Mureithi, Sergeant Cliphonce Omondi, and Sergeant Rose Nyawira.
The announcement followed a convened National Security Council meeting at State House, attended by eminent government officials, including Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, Interior CS Kithure Kindiki, Attorney General Justin Muturi, Defence CS Aden Dwale, NIS Director Noordin Haji, Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome, and National Security Advisor Monica Juma.
Rest In Peace General. pic.twitter.com/vrboG02PDf
— William Samoei Ruto, PhD (@WilliamsRuto) April 18, 2024
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