Kenya Mourns as Military Chief, Gen Francis Omondi Ogolla, Dies in Helicopter Crash
Gen Francis Omondi Ogolla, Kenya’s highest-ranking military officer, tragically lost his life in a helicopter crash in the western region of the country, confirmed President William Ruto.
The ill-fated helicopter, carrying Ogolla and 11 other military personnel, suffered the devastating crash, leaving only two survivors. President Ruto expressed deep sorrow for the nation’s loss during a press conference, having swiftly convened a security council meeting in response to the tragedy.
The crash occurred at 14:20 local time (11:20 GMT), with the Kenyan air force dispatching an investigation team to ascertain the cause. The incident took place in Elgeyo Marakwet county, approximately 400km (250 miles) northwest of Nairobi, shortly after takeoff.
Ogolla, who assumed his role in April of the previous year following his tenure as air force commander and deputy chief of defense forces, was hailed by Mr. Ruto as a courageous officer who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the nation.