Kenya Defence Forces Chief Francis Omondi Ogolla
Kenya’s President William Ruto stated that defence chief and nine other high-ranking officials were killed in a military helicopter crash in a remote area of the country on Thursday.
“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, the Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces (CDF)”, Ruto said.
The president, who had called an emergency meeting of the National Security Council after learning of the accident, said, “Nine other gallant military personnel on board were also killed while two survived”.
Ogolla, 61, a skilled fighter pilot, had just been in the position for a year but was about to mark 40 years of military service.
Ruto stated that the Kenya Air Force had dispatched an investigation team to determine the cause of the Helicopter crash, which happened in Elgeyo Marakwet county, around 400 kilometres (250 miles) northwest of the capital Nairobi.
Ogolla’s helicopter crashed shortly after takeoff from the village of Chesegon, where he and his entourage had been visiting a school after stopping in other regions to observe Kenyan troops and other landmarks.
Ruto declared three days of mourning beginning Friday, with official flags flying at half-mast, while words of condolence were sent from across the region.
“A distinguished four-star general has fallen in the course of duty and service of the country”, Ruto continued.
“Our motherland has lost one of her most valiant generals, gallant officers, servicemen, and women”, Ruto added.
The victims’ bodies covered in Kenyan flags, were returned to Nairobi on an airforce plane late Thursday.
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