Ruto confirms the death of KDF General Francis Ogolla, announces three days of mourning
President Ruto announces a three-day mourning period over the death of CDF Francis Ogolla who passed in a helicopter crash
President Ruto announces a three-day mourning period over the death of CDF Francis Ogolla who passed in a helicopter crash.
President William Ruto on Thursday confirmed the death of Chief of Defence Forces, General Francis Ogolla who died in a grisly military helicopter accident.
Ruto while issuing a State of the Nation address at State House in Nairobi, noted that the chopper crashed with 11 passengers on board 9 of whom died alongside CDF Ogolla.
“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,” Ruto announced.
Ruto mourned the deceased and termed him a distinguished four-star general who was committed to his work.
According to Ruto, Ogolla onboard the Kenya Air Force Huey Helicopter, had left Nairobi this morning, to visit troops deployed in the North Rift under Operation Maliza Uhalifu and to inspect renovation works on five schools.
Ogolla then proceeded to the Kainuk Forward Operating Base in Turkana County, where he addressed troops, commending them for their resilience and operational successes.
He later departed Chesegon for the Recruits Training School in Uasin Gishu County, where he was scheduled to inspect construction facilities at the institution. Unfortunately, the aircraft crashed shortly after take-off.
“This is a moment of great sadness for myself, as the Commander in Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces, the Kenya Defence Forces fraternity, and the nation at large,” Ruto stated.
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“The demise of General Ogolla is a painful loss to me, and certainly, the sorrow we all feel about his passing is shared by all the people of Kenya, and especially the KDF fraternity,” he added.
According to Ruto, a team had already been established to investigate the root cause of the accident.
The head of state further directed a three-day mourning where the flags including the Kenyan flag, the East African flag, and that of the military would flow at half-mast beginning Friday, April 19.
“During this time of national mourning, the Kenya Flag, the Kenya Defences Flag, the East African Community Flag, and Flags of all formations of the military shall fly at half mast,” Ruto stated.
Ogolla was appointed as the Chief of Defence Forces by President William Ruto on April 28, 2023.
He replaced General Francis Kibochi whose tenure ended after attaining the mandatory retirement age.
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