President William Ruto has announced the death of Chief of Defence Forces Francis Ogolla in a helicopter crash on Thursday afternoon.
Addressing the press in the evening, President Ruto said the millitary chopper crashed at the Sindar area in Elgeyo Marakwet County at around 2:20pm.
“Today, at 2:20pm, our nation suffered a tragic air accident in Sindar area, Keben location, Tot division, in Elgeyo Marakwet County. I am deeply saddened to announce the passing on of General Francis Omondi Ogolla, the Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces,” he said.
According to Ruto, the Chief of Defence Forces had left Nairobi this morning to visit troops deployed in the North Rift under the operation Maliza Uhalifu and to also inspect the ongoing school renovation works. He 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 takeoff.
“This is a moment of great sadness for me as the Commander In Chief of the KDF. It is a tragic moment for the KDF fraternity and it is an unfortunate day for the nation at large. Our mother land has lost one of her most valiant generals, we have also lost gallant officers, service men and women. The demise of General Ogolla is a painful loss to me and certainly the sorrow we all feel about this passing on is shared by all Kenyans and most especially the KDF fraternity.” President Ruto said at a press conference later today.
“A distinguished 4 star general has fallen in the cost of duty and in the service of country. I convey my deepest condolences to all families that are grieving this untimely loss and our mourning nation as well. May the Almighty God rest their souls in peace and grant their families fortitude at this time of very deep sorrow. I wish quick recovery to the 2 injured soldiers in this accident who are now in hospital” Ruto remarked.