Kenya ‘s military leader, Gen Francis Omondi Ogolla, died in a helicopter crash in the country’s west, as confirmed by the president.
The crash happened while Ogolla was aboard with 11 other military members, with only two surviving the accident.
President William Ruto expressed deep sorrow for the nation during a news briefing and had promptly called for a security council meeting. The crash occurred at 14:20 local time, and an air investigation team was dispatched to determine the cause.
The helicopter went down in Elgeyo Marakwet county, approximately 400km northwest of Nairobi, shortly after takeoff. Ogolla, who had been appointed last April after serving as air force commander and deputy chief of defense forces, was hailed by Mr. Ruto as a courageous officer who lost his life while serving his duty.
“Our motherland has lost one of her most valiant generals, gallant officers, service men and women,” Mr Ruto told the nation.
Kenya will mourn for three days starting Friday, with flags lowered to half-mast.
Ogolla joined the Kenya Defence Forces in 1984 and was set to mark his 40th year in the military next week. He began as a 2nd lieutenant in the air force and later became its commander in 2018.
The crash claimed the lives of nine others, including high-ranking military officials. The African Union Commission extended condolences to Kenya.
Two survivors are in critical condition, and the officers were on a mission to address banditry in the North Rift region, including reopening schools closed due to attacks. This incident recalls a helicopter crash in June 2021 that killed 10 soldiers near Nairobi.
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